As Oklahoma continues to deal with and fight the spread of COVID-19, Governor Stitt yesterday ordered all non-essential businesses in all 77 counties to temporarily suspend services until April 30. Specific examples in the Governor’s order include: gyms, movie theaters, tattoo parlors, massage parlors, barbershops and hair salons, amusement parks, performance halls, and museums. Restaurants and bars may stay open for takeout, curbside pickup and delivery.

In addition, elective surgeries and minor medical procedures are temporarily suspended until April 30. This will help to preserve PPE for hospitals treating COVID-19 patients and to allow medical professionals to reallocate their services to the front lines. 

Governor Stitt has also declared a health emergency in all 77 Oklahoma counties for the next 30 days. Under Oklahoma law, this action grants the Governor broader powers during a health emergency to waive statutory or regulatory requirements as well as the ability to coordinate a cohesive statewide response among city and county health departments.

“Now is the time to align all public health entities in the state as we work together to prepare for a surge in demand on our hospitals,” said Gov. Stitt. “This will allow us to coordinate resources and ensure all Oklahomans have the best access to the medical care they need.”

The order will also allow health care professionals who have left the workforce to quickly rejoin the front lines against COVID-19 and protect first responders by helping them manage their personal protective equipment (PPE).

Additional Updates:

• As of today, the State has 13,000 COVID-19 test kits available. Commissioner Gary Cox and Governor Stitt are urging health care providers and testing centers to loosen testing requirements and to offer test to any Oklahoman that has symptoms of COVID-19. Read the Commissioner’s public letter here. 
   
• The State’s “Safer at Home” order also continues to apply until April 30 for all Oklahomans 65 and older, as well as those with compromised immune systems.
  • 70% of the Oklahomans we have lost to COVID-19 have been 65 and older, and the other 9 individuals who have died had underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. If you are in our “Safer at Home” population, do not have visitors to your home during this time and do not gather with others.
  • “Safer at Home” also restricts visitation to long-term care and nursing homes thru April 30.
     
• The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is working to open 6 more drive thru COVID testing locations across the State. The 7 that are currently open are available here: https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/drive-thru-testing
   
• This week, Oklahoma received its full resupply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from the federal government for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).

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For the most up to date information and updates please visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health website at coronavirus.health.ok.gov. For questions, please call the OSDH Coronavirus Call Center at 1-877-215-8336.

--Team Stitt