Covid-19: FAQ

Current restrictions

What restrictions are in place currently in Bartlesville?

There is no citywide mask mandate. However, masks or face coverings are required at all enclosed City-owned facilities, including:

  • City Hall
  • Bartlesville Public Library
  • Bartlesville Area History Museum
  • Adams Golf Course (pro shop)
  • Public Works
  • Ted D. Lockin Water Treatment Plant
  • Bartlesville Police Department
  • Bartlesville Fire Department (all four stations and fire administration)

This does not include City-owned parks and other City-owned outdoor venues.

For more information, see https://www.cityofbartlesville.org/22261-2/ Also see City Ordinance No. 3528.

Symptoms, Testing & Prevention

What are the symptoms of Covid-19?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have Covid-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Seek emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face

More information about testing can be found here.

What should I do if I think I have Covid-19?

Contact the Washington County Health Department or your health care provider for testing.

What should I do if I’ve been exposed to Covid-19?

If you have had close contact (within six feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed Covid-19, you should be tested and quarantined.

How can I protect myself from getting Covid-19?

Wear a mask or face covering, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and practice social distancing. Stay at least six feet away from anyone who doesn’t live in your household. And get vaccinated when you can.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household.

To practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet (about two arms’ length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Social distancing should be practiced in combination with other everyday preventive actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including wearing masks, avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands, and frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

 

Who can get Covid-19?

Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread Covid-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community. In addition to practicing everyday steps to prevent COVID-19, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread in communities.

 

Services & Facilities

Do I have to wear a mask when I’m shopping?

There is currently no mask mandate in effect for Bartlesville, Washington County, or Oklahoma. However, wearing a mask or face covering is strongly recommended by the CDC and health professionals and is known to significantly reduce your changes of contracting Covid-19 or infecting those around you. The City of Bartlesville recommends that everyone follow CDC guidelines, including wearing a mask or other face covering when in public.

Where can I pay my utility bill and court fines?

Utility bills and court fines can be paid in-person at City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave., and at the following locations:

  • Online, at www.cityofbartlesville.org
  • By mail: City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave., Bartlesville OK 74003
  • Drop boxes, which are located in the parking lot directly south of City Hall, inside the City Hall first floor lobby and the west end of the Bartlesville Community Center parking lot

I’m supposed to go to Municipal Court next week. Can I still do that?

Yes, Municipal Court is operating as normal on Tuesdays and Thursdays, though the starting court time is 8:30 a.m. rather than 8 a.m. to allow staff time to disinfect common areas at City Hall each morning. Court attendees are asked to use the west entrance of the City Hall building and to remain six feet apart while waiting to enter. Courtroom seating has been placed six feet apart to help ensure social distancing.

I’m unable to work right now and can’t pay my City utility bill. What can I do?

To inquire about payment arrangements, contact the Utility Billing Department at utilitybilling@cityofbartlesville.org or call 918.338.4224.

Are local police still making arrests and writing citations?

Yes, they are. Bartlesville police are working 24/7 as always.

If I need a police officer, are they available?

Yes, they are. If you have an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 918.338.4001.

Is the recycling center open?

The City’s drop-off recycling center, located on 10th Street just east of Virginia Avenue, is open.

Can my child still have their birthday party at the park?

Yes. Parks have remained open during this time and park facilities — restrooms and playgrounds — reopened in early June. Restrooms are disinfected daily; however, playground are not disinfected due to lack of available City staff. The City of Bartlesville supports following the recommendations of the CDC in all situations, including outdoor communications.

Is Adams Golf Course open?

Yes.

Is CityRide operating currently?

CityRide, the City of Bartlesville’s public transit service, is available for essential transportation needs such as medical care, employment, accessing meals and grocery shopping. Additionally, CityRide is assisting the local senior center by delivering meals daily. Vehicles are being disinfected throughout the day and social distancing is being implemented. For more information, see www.cityofbartlesville.org or call 918.336.2233.

I’ve heard I can’t leave the house without a mask. Is that true?

No.

Do I have to wear a mask in retail stores?

You do if the retail establishment requires it. As per CDC guidelines, it is strongly recommended that all customers wear a cloth or procedure mask at all times while while waiting in line to enter a retail facility or while inside a retail facility.

Resources

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Oklahoma State Department of Health website

OSDH Coronavirus Hotline 877.215.8836.

For information about Covid-19-related scams, see the following links:

https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.servicecoordinator.org/resource/resmgr/files/ca_smp/avoid_covid_scams_and_counte.pdf

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/us-attorney-urges-public-report-suspected-covid-19-fraud