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New proclamation to be issued in Oklahoma City’s COVID-19 response; addresses new phase beginning June 1

Post Date:05/29/2020 11:40 AM

Mayor David Holt will sign a new emergency proclamation for Oklahoma City’s COVID-19 response that includes recommendations for high-risk activities that are intended to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

This proclamation follows Mayor Holt’s announced intention to largely align this new phase of Oklahoma City’s COVID-19 response with the State of Oklahoma’s OURS Plan.

The proclamation takes effect June 1. Its provisions will be re-evaluated no later than June 15. White House and State of Oklahoma guidelines require this phase to last at least two weeks. Based on public health data, the state of emergency could potentially end at the conclusion of that two-week period.

Visit covid19.okc.gov for the latest local COVID-19 news, guidance and City services updates.

Beginning June 1

Following U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, employers in Oklahoma City should allow employees who choose to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) because of potential hazards on the job to do so, if it doesn’t interfere with essential job functions. Enforcement will be through mechanisms provided by OSHA.

The following businesses are encouraged to consult and follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols and Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) guidelines, which are available at occhd.org/reopen:

restaurants, breweries, wineries, taverns, shopping mall food courts, food halls, cafeterias, bars, night clubs, hookah bars, cigar bars and vaping lounges
athletic gyms, recreation centers, exercise facilities, indoor sports facilities, indoor climbing facilities, bowling alleys, skating rinks, trampoline parks, whitewater rafting facilities and similar recreational facilities
businesses where people gather for presentation or entertainment, like movie and live theaters, concert halls, bingo halls, sporting venues, amusement parks, places of worship, wedding venues, event venues and funeral homes
personal care businesses including salons (hair and nail), barber shops, cosmetology facilities, esthetician facilities, laser hair removal facilities, spas, massage facilities, tattoo parlors and piercing facilities

General recommendations

Although these are not mentioned in the emergency proclamation, Mayor Holt and public health officials encourage Oklahoma City residents and employers to follow best practices recommended by OCCHD. The best practices include:

Continue practicing social distancing when possible, including staying 6 feet away from other people.
Wear a face mask in public. Click here for a guide on how to make a mask at home.
Workplaces should comply with all general and industry-specific distancing and hygiene guidelines.

Find the guidelines at occhd.org/reopen. Industry-specific guidance is available.

What’s next?

White House and State of Oklahoma guidelines for this phase require it to last at least two weeks.

Mayor Holt intends to continue evaluating criteria defined by the White House as he gauges Oklahoma City’s readiness for the state of emergency to end, will continue to listen to local public health officials, and will stay in touch with the Gov. Stitt and state public health officials.

To see the State of Oklahoma’s OURS Plan, visit okcommerce.gov/covid19.

Background

Public health data shows Oklahoma City meets White House criteria indicating it’s possible to continue a phased re-opening of business activity.

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, March 28, April 2, April 29 and May 14. 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 state and local emergency restrictions are based on fast-evolving guidance from the CDC, OCCHD and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH).

What to do if you're sick

COVID-19 symptoms are:

Fever
Dry cough
Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
Chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell
Here's a symptom tracker.

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 longer than 72 hours, call your doctor. If you don't have health insurance or a doctor, call (405) 425-4489.

Learn more here.

Face coverings

Federal, state and local public health authorities recommend you wear a face covering in public.

They’re primarily to protect you from accidentally infecting others. They keep germs closer to your body.

Many people infected with the coronavirus take a long time to develop symptoms, or never do. If everyone wears face coverings, it will slow down COVID-19.

Here's a do-it-yourself face covering guide from the CDC.

Information and resources for people

OKC metro summary from OCCHD

What to do if you're sick
Symptom tracker
COVID-19 call center: (405) 271-0411 (se habla español)
Local wellness, nutrition, financial and mental health resources from OCCHD

Emergency order in OKC

Statewide summary from OSDH

What to do if you're sick
COVID-19 call center: (877) 215-8336 (se habla español)

Ways to get help

National Disaster Distress Helpline (24/7, year-round counseling, resources and support)
Heartline Oklahoma (2-1-1) (24/7, year-round counseling, resources and support)
No health insurance, but have COVID-19 symptoms and you're in a high-risk group? Call (405) 425-4489.
Aid for small businesses

Help for businesses with five or fewer employees
Get individualized help at no cost from specialists via the U.S. Conference of Mayors Small Business and Entrepreneurship Task Force. Read more here.