Governor Stitt released a plan on Wednesday to begin to reopen the state’s economy back up starting on April 24th.
Sapulpa Mayor Pro Tem Lou Martin, Jr. confirmed that the City of Sapulpa would be adhering to that same plan and timeline, and is currently working on a revision of the city’s proclamation to bring it into alignment with Stitt’s plan.
Martin says it’s important that the city follows the same plan as the Governor to prevent confusion among the citizens. “Tulsa and Oklahoma City have said they’re going to do their own phased rollout, and I think you’re going to get folks confused about ‘why can I do this here and not do it there,’ he says. “We all came into this together, and we’re going to get through it together.”
There is some terminology in the city’s State of Emergency proclamation that says that Sapulpa’s Stay-At-Home order would be in effect from 11:59 PM on April 2nd to 7:00 PM on May the 4th, or until Governor Stitt terminates the state of emergency for Oklahoma, whichever comes later. The revised proclamation—which we’re expecting to be signed tomorrow—is expected to bring that date into alignment with Governor Stitt’s plan, according to Mayor Martin.
What Governor Stitt’s plan means for local businesses
Using scientific modeling from public health experts, the Governor and his team have constructed a plan that they say should mitigate the risk of a resurgence, protect Oklahoma’s most vulnerable from the threat of COVID-19 and that businesses and individuals can utilize in conjunction with guidance from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma State Health Department, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
There are guidelines and protocols for individuals and employers in this plan as well. Readers are strongly encouraged to download and read the plan for themselves:
Phase One
Starting on April 24, 2020, the following businesses can reopen:
- Personal care businesses, such as hair salons, barbershops, spas, nail salons, and pet groomers can reopen for appointments only, must adhere to sanitation protocols, and follow guidelines posted on the Oklahoma Department of Commerce website regarding social distancing between customers and visitors at personal care businesses.
- State parks and outdoor recreation should be reopened
- Grocery stores should continue to maintain hours for vulnerable populations
May 1, 2020, the following businesses can reopen:
- Dining, entertainment, movie theatres, and sporting venues can operate using CDC-recommended social distancing and sanitation protocols.
- Gyms can reopen if they adhere to CDC-recommended social distancing and sanitation protocols.
- Places of worship can reopen for in-person meetings or worship if they leave every other row or pew open and adhere to CDC-recommended social distancing and sanitation protocols, plus the recommended guidelines from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
- Bars should remain closed.
- Tattoo Parlors can reopen for appointments only and must adhere to sanitation protocols and social distancing protocols for distancing between customers and visitors.
Phase 2
By May 15, 2020, (Subject to all Phase 1 Guidelines being met):
- Organized sports activities can reopen and operate under proper social distancing and sanitation protocols.
- Visits to Senior Care Facilities and Hospitals should still be prohibited
- Bars can operate with diminished standing-room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate, and under social distancing and sanitation protocols.
- Funerals and weddings can resume under social distancing protocols
- Children’s nursery areas in places of worship can reopen
Phase 3
Further details for Phase 3 will be provided once the state enters Phase 2, but the recommendations below are a starting point for planning purposes.
By June 1, 2020 (Subject to all guidelines being met):
- Summer camps (church and school) can open
- Visits to Senior Care Facilities and Hospitals should still be prohibited
What Governor Stitt’s plan means for employers
Before the start of Phase 1, employers are advised to consider:
Developing policies for temperature checks, sanitation, use and disinfection of common areas, and business travel.
Monitoring workforce for indicative symptoms; not allowing symptomatic people to physically return to work and consider implementing flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices.
Developing and implementing policies and procedures for workforce contact tracing following employee COVID-19 testing and implementing appropriate policies regarding social distancing and PPE.
Phase One
- Create plans to allow employees to return to work in phases
- Close common areas or enforce social distancing protocols
- Minimize non-essential travel and adhere to CDC guidelines and Executive Orders regarding isolation following travel
- Honor requests of personnel who are members of a vulnerable population for special accommodations
Specific Employer guidance:
- Schools and organized sporting events and camps that are currently closed should remain closed until further notice
- Visits to Senior Living Facilities and Hospitals are prohibited
Phase Two
- Close common areas or enforce social distancing and sanitation protocols
- Honor requests of personnel who are members of a vulnerable population for special accommodations
- Employers are recommended to implement social distancing protocols, which include proper sanitation and use of protective equipment when interacting with the public
Phase Three
Further details for Phase 3 will be provided once the state enters Phase 2, but the recommendations below are a starting point for planning purposes.
• Can resume unrestricted staffing of worksites
What Governor Stitt’s plan means for individuals
Phase One
- Continue following safer-at-home guidelines if they are over 65 or part of a vulnerable population
- Maximize social distance from others when in public (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas)
- Avoid socializing in groups or facilities that do not readily allow for appropriate social distancing
- Minimize non-essential travel and adhere to CDC guidelines and Executive Orders regarding isolation following travel
Phase 2
- Continue following safer-at-home guidelines if they are over 65 or part of a vulnerable population
- Maintain social distancing from others when in public
- Avoid socializing in groups that do not readily allow for appropriate social distancing
- Consider resuming non-essential travel
Phase 3
Further details for Phase 3 will be provided once the state enters Phase 2.
