The city of Stillwater, Oklahoma has lifted a coronavirus mask requirement following reports of physical confrontations — and a threat of violence involving a gun -- at reopened stores and restaurants.
Following the reopening of certain local businesses originally forced to close to contain the spread of the coronavirus, officials reported threats of violence at some stores.
City Manager Norman McNickle said in a statement, “In the short time beginning on May 1, 2020, that face coverings have been required for entry into stores/restaurants, store employees have been threatened with physical violence and showered with verbal abuse. In addition, there has been one threat of violence using a firearm."
Officials with the local city government said the mask requirement applies only to the employees of those establishments. A business owner can ask his or her customers to wear a mask. The original order was in effect only a few hours.
Stillwater's Mayor Will Joyce tweeted, “I knew there would be some objections, but I did not expect physical confrontations with employees and threatening phone calls to city hall."
Read more: FoxNews.com