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 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,…
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…
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.
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…
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 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 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…
Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed a new $484 billion relief package for small businesses and hospitals in light of the coronavirus. It adds $310 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program – a forgivable loan program that quickly ran out of money due to a groundswell of applications from small businesses.
Elderly and vulnerable Oklahomans should continue to follow the safer-at-home guidelines. Oklahomans should maximize their physical distance from others when in public, avoid socializing in groups or facilities that do not allow for physical distancing and minimize non-essential travel. Employers should create plans to allow employees to return to work in phases, close common areas…