Governor Stitt Announces State will begin to Re-Open

Stitt Announces State will begin to Re-Open May 1

Gov. Kevin Stitt held a press conference today to update Oklahomans on the state’s response to COVID-19. Here are several key takeaways:

Gov. Stitt ensured the state’s reopening will be implemented safely and with great caution.
Oklahoma will look to the White House to make data-driven reopening decisions.
Total hospitalizations in Oklahoma peaked at 560 on March 30, and has continues to trend down for the entire month of April.
There are currently 290 individuals being treated for COVID-19 in our hospitals. There are more than 15 times this number of hospital beds in the state.
Enhanced testing and tracing will allow the state to better control the virus.

Stitt ensured the health of Oklahomans is his top priority as he reopens the economy.
Chad Warmington, executive director of the Oklahoma State Chamber, is leading the business front of this initiative. Once the state safely reopens, Oklahoma will move into the restoration phase for its economy.
Even as things begin to open, Gov. Stitt urged Oklahomans to practice social distancing.
Based on the data, individuals age 65 and older as well as those who may fall into a vulnerable populations,
Employers should plan to bring employees back to work in phases and
Starting Friday, personal care businesses can resume appointment-only activity as long as they follow strict sanitation guidelines and do not open common waiting areas.
Grocery stores should maintain special hours for vulnerable populations.
Beginning May 1, subject to strict sanitation guidelines, the following businesses may reopen: restaurant dining rooms, gyms, places of worship. Staff and volunteers at places of worship should wear PPE, sanitize between services, leave nurseries closed and avoid use of food sharing areas or coffee bars.
Bars should remain closed at this time.
Phases two and three are subject to manageable execution of phase one.
Should phase one bring an increase in cases, the Governor’s team will reassess.