City of Yukon issues declaration of emergency due to coronavirus
FROM STAFF REPORTS
The City of Yukon has been closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic, and due to recently confirmed cases in nearby counties, Mayor Mike McEachern has declared a state of emergency in Yukon affecting city operations and closing facilities and municipal court.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has confirmed Monday afternoon a case of coronavirus in Canadian County.
The Yukon declaration also cancels events and meetings, and officials highly encourage local restaurants, bars, businesses and organizations to impose social distancing measures. The declaration was signed on March 16, and remains in effect until April 6.
All core city services will remain operational and all city employees will report to work as usual. Residents are encouraged to use the City’s online, phone or drive-thru options, if possible, to pay their bills or conduct City business. The City-owned facilities closing during this time are listed below: – Dale Robertson Senior Center – Yukon Public Library – Jackie Cooper Gymnasium – Yukon Community Center – Yukon Parks and Recreation (leagues, facilities, and events) Park rentals will also be closed, though residents are still permitted to use Yukon’s parks. City of Yukon events, including Taste of Yukon and The Mayor’s Breakfast, will also be canceled through April 6.
Seniors who normally eat lunch at the Dale Robertson Center may get their meals by pick-up only. The City is revoking any pending permit and not issuing any new permit for any public or private event on any city street, sidewalk, facility, park, or property until the expiration of this emergency. declaration. Yukon City Council will meet as usual and remain open to the public, although residents are strongly encouraged to watch the meeting live through Cox Channel 20 or on the City’s YouTube channel the following day.
All Yukon Municipal Court dockets are canceled.
Cases scheduled for arraignment, hearing, and trial will be rescheduled. This includes all juvenile dockets. The Municipal Judge shall issue an order rescheduling cases and the Municipal Court Clerk shall issue written notification of new court dates. In addition, the City strongly encourages the cancellation of all in-person gatherings.
Gym facilities are also encouraged to discontinue group activities. Restaurants, bars, and other privately owned gathering places are highly encouraged to limit the number of patrons such that at least six feet of space is available to each patron . Such facilities are further encouraged to transition to “take-out” or “delivery” options. All in-person gatherings for social, spiritual, and recreational purposes, including but not limited to community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, or sporting events; parades, concerts, festivals, conventions, fundraisers and similar activities are strongly discouraged during this time. The City of Yukon is taking these measures to limit the public’s potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Rest assured, the health and safety of its citizens is a top priority. The City will constantly monitor and reassess the situation to ensure the health and safety of its citizens. Please check back with the City’s website and official social media accounts for updates. For more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the Center for Disease Control’s website at http://www.cdc.gov or the Oklahoma Department of Health’s website at http://www.ok.gov/health.
For more information on the City’s declaration, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 405-350-3939.
