Stillwater, Okla., will now "encourage, but not require" people to wear masks.(Google Maps)
It’s a cowboy mentality.
The town of Stillwater, Okla., will no longer require people to wear masks at stores after multiple people threatened those trying to enforce the rule.
Stillwater, home to 50,000 people and Oklahoma State University, started requiring townsfolk to wear masks on May 1 to prevent the spread of coronavirus. However, that requirement lasted a whopping three hours, according to a statement on the town’s website.
Workers at newly opened stores faced a barrage of hatred when asking customers to wear masks.
“Store employees have been threatened with physical violence and showered with verbal abuse,” City Manager Norman McNickle said in the statement. “In addition, there has been one threat of violence using a firearm.”
Officials decided to scale back the mask rule, asking businesses to “encourage, but not require” masks.
“The City of Stillwater has attempted to keep people safe by the simple requirement to wear a face covering to protect others,” McNickle said. “It is unfortunate and distressing that those who refuse and threaten violence are so self-absorbed as to not follow what is a simple show of respect and kindness to others.”
Perhaps the angry customers were following the example of Oklahoma State football coach and local blockhead Mike Gundy.
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