Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday unveiled a plan to open up the state, as the state's total number of COVID-19 cases reach just over 3,000.
As of Thursday, the state reported 3,017 total confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 179 deaths and 1,884 recoveries.
Oklahoma panhandle counties reported the following numbers of confirmed cases, to date, as of Thursday: Texas County, 46 total, one death, six recoveries; Cimarron County, one total, zero deaths, zero recoveries; Beaver County, one total, zero deaths, zero recoveries.
According to a press release from Stitt’s office, the state will begin opening up Friday in a three-phased approach under the Open Up and Recovery Safely (OURS) plan.
Oklahoma met the criteria as outlined in current White House guidelines, to begin a phased opening. That criteria includes a downward trajectory in documented COVID-19 cases, as well as the hospital capacity and resources neededto treat all patients without crisis care, according to the release.
Similar to the White House guidelines, Oklahoma’s plan – which was developed by the Governor’s Solution Task Force and health advisers – is a three-phased approach to begin opening the state on Friday.
“As we begin to responsibly implement this measured response, we will continue to prioritize the safety of Oklahomans and base all decisions on the data in our state,” Stitt said.
Phase 1 guidance includes:
- Elderly and vulnerable Oklahomans should continue to follow the safer-at-home guidelines.
- Oklahomans should continue to maximize their physical distance from others when in public, avoid socializing in groups or facilities that do not allow for appropriate physical distancing, and minimize non-essential travel.
- Employers should create plans to allow employees to return to work in phases, close common areas or enforce social distancing protocols, minimize non-essential travel and honor requests of employees who are part of a vulnerable population for special accommodations.
- Starting on April 24, personal care businesses can reopen for appointments only if they adhere to strict sanitation protocols and are in communities that do not have more restrictions in place. This includes: hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons, and pet groomers. These businesses must maintain distance between customers and encourage customers to wait in their car until it is time for their appointment to avoid congestion in the lobbies or entrances.
- Starting on April 24, State parks and outdoor recreation areas can be reopened.
- Grocery stores should continue to maintain special hours for vulnerable populations.
- Starting on May 1, restaurant dining rooms, movie theaters, gyms and sporting venues can re-open statewide if they adhere to strict social distancing and sanitation protocols.
- Starting on May 1, Places of worship can reopen for in-person meetings or worship, if they leave every other row or pew open and adhere to CDC-recommended social distancing and sanitation protocols, plus the recommended guidelines from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
- Starting on May 1, Tattoo Parlors can reopen for appointments only and must adhere to sanitation protocols and social distancing protocols for distancing between customers and visitors.
- During Phase 1, visits to senior living facilities and hospitals are prohibited and bars, schools, organized sporting events and camps should remain closed until further notice.
Phase 2 guidance includes:
- Elderly and vulnerable Oklahomans should continue to follow the safer-at-home guidelines.
- Oklahomans should continue to maintain physical distancing measures when in public.
- Non-essential travel can begin to resume.
- Employers should still close common areas or enforce social distancing and sanitation protocols.
- Organized sports activities can reopen and operate under proper social distancing and sanitation protocols.
- Bars can operate with diminished standing-room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate, and under social distancing and sanitation protocols.
- Funerals and weddings can resume under social distancing protocols.
- Children’s nursery areas in places of worship can reopen.
Phase 3 guidance (with a goal date of June 1) - once hospital and incident rates remain at a manageable level statewide for 14 or more days - includes employer guidance, but according to the press release, more details will be provided once the state enters Phase 2.
The statewide plan is based on scientific modeling from public health experts; intended to mitigate risk of resurgence; intended to protect Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens from the threat of COVID-19; and intended for businesses and individuals to utilize in conjunction with guidance from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma State Health Department, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
