Oklahoma might be rolling in hot with the second largest daily increase of COVID-19 yesterday, but that doesn’t mean we need a state-wide mask mandate. Just ask our esteemed Governor Stitt, who last week reminded us that he has no plans to aid in protecting Oklahomans from likely preventable deaths to implement one. After doing a bit of reflecting and doom-scrolling this weekend, I think I am starting to see where Stitt is coming from on the issue! In fact, here are 7 reasons why Oklahoma doesn’t need a state-wide mask mandate!
We’ve done a great job containing the virus so far
If Stitt’s “personal responsibility” initiative hasn’t worked so far, then why is he refusing to implement a mask mandate, allowing COVID-19 safeguards to expire for state board meetings, and ignoring the Oklahoma State Medical Association’s pleas to enhance safety guidelines across the state?
It saves on bills
Even though Oklahoma is one of the cheapest states to live in, it doesn’t mean that it’s free. Plus, it is a state where someone working for minimum wage at a 40-hour work week can’t even afford a 2-bedroom apartment. Being that research suggests the average person who has passed away from COVID-19 would have lived 10-12 years longer if they had not contracted the illness, I guess that’s 10-12 years of bills people don’t have to pay.
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Sephora
Sephora has some hella sales on lipstick going on now. Everyone knows you can't wear a mask with lipstick unless you want to look like a 3-year-old after a cherry popsicle bender.
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It keeps Oklahoma a “Top Ten State”
At least a “Top Ten State” for fewest COVID-19 restrictions and highest COVID-19 positivity rate.
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It’s the only attention Stitt still gets from the White House
Since Oklahoma relaxed it’s COVID-19 restrictions enough to host a presidential campaign rally, Trump hasn’t paid our esteemed Governor Stitt a visit. Nowadays, the only attention Kevin Stitt gets from the White House comes in the form of dire warnings from the Coronavirus Task Force because Trump hasn’t come back since June. Like a George Costanza doing a “leave behind” after a failed date, Kevin Stitt seems to be pulling out all the stops to secure any attention from the White House that he can.
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It’s No-Shave November
If you are constantly wearing a mask, how can you prove to your coworkers that you’re kicking ass in the No-Shave November competition?
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The people can govern themselves
The research is clear: Oklahoma cities that have implemented mask mandates have a slower growth of COVID-19 cases than cities without mandates. The bad news is, not all Oklahoma cities have implemented mandates and not all citizens are taking Stitt up on his “personal responsibility” initiative. The good news is, the more “responsibility” Stitt puts on the Oklahomans he governs, the less responsibility he has to take when his stupid plans don’t work.
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Mask me no more questions. Then follow Hayley on twitter @squirrellygeek and become a contributing member of TLO here.
