(Oklahoma City, OK) Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday announced details on how Oklahoma will reopen businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Stitt said the state’s plan to reopen is based on coronavirus testing and tracing, and the state will reopen the economy in three phases.
PHASE ONE
During phase one, Stitt said Oklahoma will continue to follow the safer-at-home order for the elderly and vulnerable populations. People are urged to maximize distance from each other, avoid social gatherings in public and minimize nonessential travel. Employers can create a plan for employees to return to work in phases, while places such as the break room remain closed. Businesses must honor the requests from employees who are vulnerable.
Starting Friday, April 24, personal care businesses can reopen for appointments only, while following strict sanitation protocols, in communities that do not have more restrictions in place, Stitt said. This includes hair salons, barbershops, spas, nail salons and pet groomers. Businesses must maintain distance between customers and encourage customers to wait in their cars until their appointment, Stitt said.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt released a statement, saying: “As was announced three weeks ago, and in the interest of public health, our city’s shelter-in-place proclamation lasts through April 30, as does the closure of personal care services.
“On the advice of our local public health experts, it is our intent to follow the spirit of the White House criteria for potentially entering a new phase after April 30. We dearly hope that public health data allows Oklahoma City to consider entering that new phase on May 1 as the governor has envisioned. We will continue to monitor public health data and will provide updates on our local plans as we have them.”
Grocery stores should maintain special hours for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable populations.
Starting May 1, businesses such as restaurant dining rooms, gyms, sporting venues and movie theaters can reopen statewide, Stitt said. However, they must follow strict social distancing and sanitation protocols.
Places of worship can reopen for in-person meetings; staff and volunteers must wear masks while interacting with the public. Nursery areas must be kept closed.
Bars must remain closed during phase one, Stitt said.
PHASE TWO
During phase two, Stitt said elderly and vulnerable Oklahomans should still follow safer-at-home guidelines. Nonessential travel can start resuming, and organized sports activities can reopen while following social distancing guidelines and sanitation protocols, Stitt said.
Bars can operate with diminished standing room occupancy while following social distancing and sanitation protocols, and funerals and weddings can resume with more than 10 people, Stitt said. Children’s areas and nurseries at places of worship can reopen.
Stitt said details about phase three of the reopening plan will be determined during phase two.
