Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced certain nonessential businesses will be allowed to open starting on Friday, in an effort to restart the economy.
The governor explained at a Wednesday press conference the state’s three-phase plan to reopen the economy, which is based on coronavirus testing and tracing.
The first stage of the state’s plan allows for personal care businesses to reopen starting on Friday for appointments only, while following strict sanitation protocols, according to KOCO. The stores included under the plan include hair salons, barbershops, spas, nail salons, and pet groomers, and these guidelines are only applicable in communities that do not have more restrictions in place.
“This statewide approach is based on the data from our public health experts, is intended to mitigate risk of a resurgence, and protects Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens from the threat of #COVID19,” Stitt explained on social media. “The OURS plan will begin phase 1 on April 24th and is intended for businesses and individuals to utilize in conjunction with guidance from the @OKcommerce, @HealthyOklahoma, and @CDCgov.”
This statewide approach is based on the data from our public health experts, is intended to mitigate risk of a resurgence, and protects Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens from the threat of #COVID19.
— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) April 23, 2020
Other “nonessential” businesses will be allowed to reopen at the start of next month, contingent upon them following the social distancing and sanitation guidelines. Stitt’s three-phase plan looks to reopen the economy fully by mid-June, as long as there’s no surge in cases or hospitalizations.
Georgia is also starting to reopen its economy on Friday despite significant opposition. GOP Gov. Brian Kemp has decided to restart some businesses even though he has faced criticism from other Georgia lawmakers, health officials, and President Trump.
