Today, Oklahoma enters Phase 2 of the Open Up & Recover Safely (OURS) Plan. Although positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are still rising, the rate at which they are doing so appears to be decreasing and things remain at a manageable level for our healthcare system.

Assuming things continue as they are, Oklahoma is likely to move into Phase 3 of the OURS Plan on June 1. Rough guidelines for Phase 3 have just been released, which include no restrictions on businesses (including unrestricted staffing of worksites for employers). Though nothing is set in stone, we can expect more definitive information as we move through Phase 2.

In keeping with the gradual reopening, Governor Stitt amended his Executive Order earlier this week. All businesses are directed to follow the OURS Plan. The stay-at-home order for vulnerable individuals (those over 65 or who have underlying medical conditions) continues until May 31. (Reminder that this order does not apply to vulnerable individuals working in a critical infrastructure sector.) There is also no longer a statewide ban on gatherings of a certain number of people; the Executive Order simply states that individuals should follow CDC social distancing guidelines, “stay[] out of crowded places,” and “not gather[] in groups.” All persons entering Oklahoma from another state or country are required to follow both CDC and Oklahoma travel guidelines – currently, Oklahoma requires travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana, Washington, and any country with travel restrictions to self-quarantine for 14 days. The Executive Order remains in effect for 30 days, or until June 11.

Note, however, that Mayor Bynum and Mayor Holt issued orders yesterday containing additional restrictions for Tulsa and OKC. In Tulsa, gatherings are limited to not more than 50 people until (at least) May 31; bars are allowed to reopen (today) with reduced occupant capacity, and each bar must post at the door their capacity based on a calculation of the bar’s square footage. OKC’s order requires all bar/restaurant and other food or beverage service employees, as well as employees at any kind of gym or recreational facility and personal care businesses, to have their temperatures checked each day and wear facemasks or be behind plexiglass. If your business is in a location other than Tulsa or OKC, you should check your local authority for any specific orders or guidance.

By Rebecca D. Bullard, rbullard@dsda.com