Why Doctors Say Masking Is Still Necessary

Healthcare professionals said masking ordinances have curbed the growth of COVID-19 cases across the state.

Some have suggested that the mandates should continue for longer, even as optimism around mass vaccination grows.

"I cannot overemphasize that mitigation strategies continue to buy us time to vaccinate Oklahomans and get people to have immunity," epidemiologist Aaron Wendelboe.

Wendelboe said if Oklahomans continue following precautions through, as many as 46,000 new cases, 2,500 more hospitalizations and more than 450 deaths due to the virus could be avoided.

Oklahoma City city council extended its masking ordinance until the end of April.

Mayor David Holt said that could be the last mask mandate for the city.

"I think it is very likely this is the last extension we will have the mask ordinance, but we will see and monitor the data, but I am very optimistic and excited," Holt said Thursday on News 9 This Morning.