Mayor David Holt has extended the “Shelter in Place” emergency order in Oklahoma City to April 30 as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
The action has been recommended by the Mayor’s COVID-19 Public Health Advisory Group, and is in line with the extension this week to federal and State of Oklahoma guidelines now in place until April 30.
The City of Tulsa is doing the same, as Mayor Holt and Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum continue to collaboratively align consistent policies and messaging in the state’s two largest cities as we work together to overcome the coronavirus.
What does “Shelter in Place” mean?
The “Shelter in Place” emergency order is effective until April 30.
In general, it’s simple:
- Stay home. Exceptions are below on this list.
- You can shop for groceries, medicine, gas, repairs, and other essential goods and services.
- You can go to a restaurant for takeout or drive-thru service.
- You can go to the doctor and take care of other essential needs.
- You can exercise outside, including on sidewalks, trails and in public parks. You can enjoy outdoor activities like long walks, bike rides and fishing. Green spaces in parks are open. But all playgrounds are closed, both public and private. City-owned golf courses, fitness courts, dog parks, disc golf courses, skate parks, recreation centers and sport courts (basketball, tennis, volleyball, etc.) are also closed.
- You can go to work in an essential job. You can also do business with someone working in an essential job. Those jobs are defined by the State of Oklahoma, using a federal list and one provided by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Find out more at okcommerce.gov/covid19.
- You can drive, bike, walk and take transit. You don’t need special ID or a permit. Police aren’t asking people to prove why they’re outside their home.
- You can work from home if you work in a job defined by the State as non-essential. You can also do business with someone doing a non-essential job from home, but do it virtually or by phone. Even if it’s an essential job, employers are encouraged to allow employees to work from home if possible.
- Staff are allowed on site even at closed non-essential businesses for basic tasks like maintenance and security.
- You can check on someone in need.
- You can donate at blood drives, volunteer at food banks and participate in other disaster response activities.
- Staff can be at faith-based sites to record or broadcast services.
- Stay 6 feet away from others, for your safety and theirs.
- Wash your hands before you leave your house, and as soon as you get home.
- You can call 911 if you have specific information about someone violating the order. Police may investigate. Officers will ask for voluntary compliance, but may use discretion to issue citations if necessary.
A violation of the City proclamation’s terms would be a class “b” misdemeanor under City Code, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $750.
Visit covid19.okc.gov for the latest local COVID-19 news, guidance and City services updates.
How the order works
The City’s emergency proclamation is authorized under Chapter 15 Article III of City Code and Title 21, Section 1321.9 of Oklahoma Statutes. It was first issued March 16, and was previously modified March 17, March 25 and March 28. It will remain in effect until the Mayor signs a proclamation to end it. The Mayor may modify the terms of the emergency for as long as it remains in effect.
The terms of the state and local emergency restrictions are based on fast-evolving guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD).
The Mayor’s COVID-19 Public Health Advisory Group meets by teleconference every day to assess the pandemic locally. The advisory group’s members make recommendations for Mayor Holt’s consideration, if they become necessary.
The advisory group’s members are:
What to do if you’re sick
COVID-19 symptoms are fever, a dry cough and shortness of breath.
- If you’re sick, stay home. Avoid public areas. Stay away from others. Wear a mask or other face covering when you are around other people.
- If you're sick, do not go to the ER. Consult first with a health care provider. Regardless of whether tests show you have a common cold, the flu or COVID-19, doctors will tell most people to stay home, rest, get plenty of fluids and avoid contact with others.
- If your symptoms worsen, you have difficulty breathing or you have a fever for more than 72 hours, call your doctor. If you don't have health insurance or a doctor, call (405) 425-4489.
- Learn more here.
Information and resources for people
Information and resources for businesses and organizations
Media Contact
Kristy Yager
(405) 297-2550
kristy.yager@okc.gov
