News

Oklahoma starts re-opening plans

April 30, 2020

Beginning last Friday, Gov. Kevin Stitt began his plan to re-open Oklahoma’s economy and recover from the Chinese coronavirus situation. “From the beginning it has been my intent to protect the health and lives of Oklahomans, especially our vulnerable populations, and mitigate the impact to Oklahoma’s economy and get Oklahomans safely back to work,” said…

Tulsa cautiously re-opens

April 30, 2020

With a timetable close to the state, the City of Tulsa will lift the coronavirus stay-at-home order on May 1. Mayor G.T. Bynum wanted to delay the action but with the decision by Gov. Kevin Stitt for an incremental opening of the state, Bynum said he had little choice to not follow suit. Plus, most…

Re-open bill

April 30, 2020

Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed a bill that would allow these businesses to re-open and their employees to work. Senate Bill 1X, also known as the “Oklahoma Return to Work and Bill of Rights Conformity Act,” acknowledges the successful work Oklahomans have done to flatten the virus curve, recognizes those who have sacrificed during…

Democrats criticize Stitt

April 30, 2020

Democrats sharply criticized Stitt’s plan to get Oklahoma back to normal. “The governor’s decision to reopen Oklahoma businesses early comes from a place of fear, and it is understandable for him to be worried about the long-term economic effects of this pandemic,” said House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman. “However, in this time of uncertainty,…

Republicans praise Stitt

April 30, 2020

Some Republicans praised Stitt and said the time is right for Oklahomans to go back to work. “Oklahomans have done a great job in banding together to flatten the curve of infections and protect their vulnerable neighbors,” said State Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy. “We’ve seen this evidenced in the decrease of the projected number of…

Tulsa statistical update

April 30, 2020

On April 27, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) has confirmed 490 positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County. 373 residents have recovered and 27 have died. Test results are updated daily at www.tulsa-health.org/COVID19. For information, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/COVID-19.

Drive-Through Testing Sites

April 30, 2020

There are now three drive-thru testing sites in Tulsa, all of which are by appointment only. Walk-ins cannot be accepted. OSU Center for Health Sciences, 918-599-5300 OU-Tulsa, 918-619-4980 Walmart at 81st and Lewis, www.DoINeedaCovid19Test.com or call 1-800-635-8611 For more information on testing sites, visit www.cityoftulsa.org. If someone is exposed to a known COVID-19 patient or…

Elective surgeries resume

April 30, 2020

Beginning last Friday, elective surgeries were approved for Oklahoma as state hospitals showed the capacity to handle coronavirus patients and the normal patient workload. The Oklahoma State Department of Health said surgery centers and hospitals who resume elective surgery must: Give coronavirus tests to patients before procedures Patients must show a negative coronavirus test within…

Broken Arrow is back in business

April 30, 2020

Broken Arrow Mayor Craig Thurmond terminated the city’s emergency declarations for sheltering in place on April 23 but the city will follow Stitt’s Safer at Home order for vulnerable people through May 6. “My fellow City Councilors and myself, as well as our City Manager and his staff feel the governor’s plan is sensible and…

Glenpool follows state guidelines

April 30, 2020

Glenpool Mayor Tim Fox and City Manager David Tillotson said Glenpool will follow Stitt’s Open Up and Recover Safety Plan, also on April 24. Personal care businesses – nail and hair salons, barber shops and pet groomers – were allowed to re-open with strict social distancing and sanitation protocols. The use of any playground equipment…