Unsurprisingly, college towns in America are cracking the current top 20 list for towns with most increased COVID-19 cases with Stillwater no. 13. But the no. 1 town isn't a college town. It's the Muskogee, Oklahoma area. There has been a big outbreak in a women's prison:
https://oklahoman.com/article/5670765/muskogee-area-becomes-a-top-us-hot-spot-because-of-infections-at-prison?ocid=uxbndlbingWhat the mayor of Stillwater thinks of the current local COVID situation. The point made in the 2nd paragraph, I think, is very important:
Local Update
As you know, our community is seeing a large spike in COVID cases. Stillwater currently has 398 active cases, more than double the peak we saw in late June. As we saw then, the large majority of these cases are in the 18-35 year old age group. So far, there has not been a corresponding surge in hospitalizations. The City is in close contact with Payne County Health and Stillwater Medical to track the situation and determine if further action is warranted.
The sharp rise in cases is very concerning, and we must work together as a community to slow the spread. So far, contact tracing shows that these cases cannot be connected to any one activity, event, or type of business. The cases are also not just in college students. Many of the positive cases are among younger adults who are very socially active and are taking few of the recommended precautions against the spread of disease.
It’s disappointing that so many of our neighbors refuse to take the situation seriously. Yes, many of them will never be seriously ill, but such carelessness has a huge effect on our community. Public schools cannot meet together for class. Non-profits have had to cancel fundraising events. Activities across the board have been limited or shut down. These decisions are necessary because the more the disease spreads in Stillwater, the more likely it is for vulnerable people to be infected, with far more serious consequences.
Overall, individuals and businesses in our community have been doing a very good job with masks, limiting interactions, and operating safely. I am aware of the White House reports that indicate additional restrictions should be implemented statewide and in our local area. Currently, I’m not sure that it’s worthwhile for the City of Stillwater to adopt these guidelines alone, but I continue to talk with other state mayors and the Governor’s office to push for widespread action in accordance with Federal advice.
No matter what rules or regulations are in place, it is up to each one of us to make the right choices to protect ourselves and each other. Please wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance. Avoid large gatherings. Get tested if you feel sick, if you’ve been in contact with a positive case, or if you’ve been out and about a lot recently. Above all, please recognize that you are part of a community, and we are all counting on you to do your part to keep the rest of us safe.