OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Face mask mandates adopted in some Oklahoma communities to reduce the spread of COVID-19 seem to be working, according to a newspaper report.

Data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health shows cities with mask mandates nearly cut in half their average number of new COVID-19 infections after three weeks, The Oklahoman reported Sunday.

In Oklahoma, 17 localities have adopted mask ordinances, according to data compiled by the Oklahoma State Medical Association.

On July 20, the rolling average of new COVID-19 virus cases in cities with mask ordinances was 457. By Aug. 12,...