Things are loosening up in Oklahoma as the state enters Phase 2 of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s plan to battle the Chinese coronavirus pandemic.
“Data shows we are in great shape to move to Phase 2 of reopening,” Stitt said.
Phase 2 was triggered by two weeks of manageable hospital occupancy and number of confirmed cases. People over 65 are still asked to stay home in Phase 2 and everyone is asked to maintain social distancing. Everyone should avoid large groups of people but Oklahomans can resume “non-essential travel.”
Employers may need to make special accommodations for vulnerable workers and they need to maintain sanitation and distancing protocols. Protective equipment is recommended when dealing with the public.
Organized sports can return. Visitation to senior facilities and hospitals is prohibited. Bars can open with limitations and funerals and weddings can resume with guests. Church nurseries can re-open.
Stitt has a goal of starting Phase 3 by June 1. That would allow unrestricted staffing of worksites. Summer camps can open (see related stories on Page 3) and visitors can go to senior centers and hospitals.
“If data continues to hold, we will be able to move safely into final stage of reopening on June 1,” Stitt said. “I want Oklahoma to be the first state in the nation to get its wings back and serve as an example of a community that works together, not against each other.”
Oklahoma update
As of May 18, there were 5,398 confirmed positive cases of coronavirus in Oklahoma with 288 deaths.
As of May 14, 97% of the deaths were people age 50 or older while that age group makes up only 50% of the confirmed cases.
Meat processing cases
A meat packing plant in Guymon has had more than 100 cases of the coronavirus and 64% of the new cases in Oklahoma were in Texas County.
“Over the past week, OSDH has deployed sev eral systems of support into Texas County and the surrounding areas to address a heightened presence of COVID-19. The largest employer in the county, Seaboard Foods, has been a good partner with state agencies by allowing OSDH to test all processing plant employees,” said Oklahoma Health Commissioner Gary Cox.
“We are also partnering on guidance and solutions to ensure the company continues doing everything possible to protect its workers. Over the next few days, we expect spikes in our reporting of positive cases due to the significant number of tests processed for Texas County, which is reflective of our increased testing efforts.”
For information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.
Tulsa Update
On May 18, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) has confirmed 787 positive cases in Tulsa County. 603 residents have recovered and 37 have died. For information, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/COVID-19.
Tulsa has entered the Phase 2 of the state’s Reopening Plan.
Under the new Civil Emergency in Tulsa, groups of 50 or less (previously 10 through tonight) will be allowed to gather and the city will begin issuing special events permits for events with less than 50 people.
The city will re-assess special events on May 31. Officials said those 65 years and older and those with underlying medical conditions should continue to stay home.
Under Phase 2, bars will be allowed to open, provided they resume operations with reduced capacity based on a 36 square feet per person (in the assembly/bar area) to ensure social distancing. Additionally, funerals and weddings can resume tomorrow with 50-person limits.
Tulsa Municipal Courts open
Tulsa Municipal Courts re-opened on Monday.
Courthouse visitors will be limited, and Municipal Courts will have tables positioned at the Plaza Level on the building’s north side under an awning. Municipal Courts will be checking in guests and controlling the number of visitors entering the facility.
Only defendants, their attorneys and interpreters (if necessary) are allowed in the courthouse. Visitors are required to wear a cloth face covering or mask when inside the courthouse. Visitors without a cloth face covering or mask will be provided one.
Individuals will not be added to the docket until further notice. Visitors with questions should contact a courthouse staff member located outside of the building who will assist.
If individuals need documents from Court Records or have questions, they should call Municipal Courts at 918-596-7801 or email tulsamunicipalcourtclerk@cityoftulsa.org.
Tulsa Parks Updates
Sports groups are allowed to practice on fields (complexes and open fields) with less than 25 people per field. Tulsa Parks is working with sports leagues to develop operating protocols.
Tulsa City Parks facilities still closed include sports complexes for large organized sports, community centers, nature center buildings, Redbud trails, playgrounds, basketball courts, pools, splash pads, outdoor bathrooms, water faucets and shelter rentals.
The Tulsa Zoo will be reopening June 1 with restrictions in place.
Rockefeller Foundation adds Tulsa
Tulsa is joining the State of Oregon, Washington, D.C., Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles and Miami and other cities around the country and will be exchanging best practices to safeguard public health.
“We are excited to join this national effort led by the Rockefeller Foundation to address a critical need in this pandemic,” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “Testing, contact tracing and accurate data are crucial tools we need to bring to scale as we address, respond, and recover during this crisis. I look forward to working with colleagues from across the country to bring this National Action Plan to fruition.”
The Rockefeller Foundation’s Action Plan will provide steps that cities and states can take for testing, tracing, and coordination as America safely reopens workplaces.
Tulsa County Update
County municipalities have started to request CARES Act funding from Tulsa County. As small businesses continue to reopen, many have identified needs that could be assisted with this funding.
Nonprofits have been tapped at an untold speed during this pandemic and they also need assistance from this funding.
The Board of County Commissioners has a weekly agenda item to approve funding requests. The county will continue to follow this process unless an extraordinary circumstance presents itself that would require a special meeting.
Michael Willis’ County Clerk’s office is preparing a COVID-19 Checkbook that will be available at www.tulsacounty.org as part of the Tulsa County Transparency Initiative. The Checkbook will list all expenditures and reimbursements distributed from the CARES Act funding.
Tulsa County District Court Update
District Courts opened Monday. All reopening requirements are an effort to minimize the number of people coming to the Courthouse as much as possible over an initial two-week period from May 18 through May 29.
During the first phase, out-of-custody criminal defendants, small claims courts, and those who are supposed to appear in traffic court do not need to appear during this timeframe. New dates will be provided through the Oklahoma State Courts Network or through attorneys.
All Courthouse areas occupied by judges, judicial staff, court clerks, and staff may remain closed to the public with exceptions as permitted by local order.
If access to the courtroom is granted, masks and gloves must be worn by the entering party. Those allowed entry will be limited to attorneys, parties, necessary staff, victims, and witnesses—individual judges may use their discretion to allow others inside.
Tulsa County District Court courtrooms will follow suit with the 50 people or less policy in Tulsa.
Additionally, courtrooms will be outfitted with social distancing markers inside and hand sanitizer stations available at each entrance while judges’ chambers will be restricted to judges and staff only.
During this phase, judges and participants are encouraged to use video and telephone conferencing for those matters where it’s appropriate.
Phases Two and Three will allow the courts to properly handle all court business once restrictions are lessened and courtroom limitations are reduced.
Jury trials previously set for May 18, June 1, and June 15, 2020, are canceled.
Jury trial weeks for criminal cases only may be added during any and all of the first three weeks of August.