Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitts issued a “Safer-at-Home” directive, which is a less rigid version of the “Shelter-in-Place” order imposed by most U.S. states. In addition, the list of essential businesses allowed to operate in the region is more extensive than those listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

 

However, as the cities and counties across Oklahoma continue to see a rise in the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases and death counts, several local governments have deemed it best to impose stricter guidelines. In order to clear the confusion on what Oklahoma residents are expected to follow, State Attorney General Mike Hunter announced that people must first follow the mandate of their respective local governments.

As of April 08, Oklahoma has reported a total of 1, 524 confirmed Covid-19 positive cases and 79 deaths due to coronavirus infection.

About Oklahoma’s “Safer-at-Home” Mandate

Under the OK state’s “Safer-at-Home” mandate, only the vulnerable population such as senior citizens and those with impaired health conditions, are required to stay confined in their homes up to April 30, 2020. The directive, though, does not prohibit younger and healthier residents from leaving their home if they are to carry out essential tasks, such as reporting for work, buying groceries and/or medicines or engaging in physical exercise.

Those staying out are not allowed to congregate in groups of more than 10 people, in order to make social distancing protocols possible.

In addition, the “Safer-at-Home” mandate includes an order to close down nursing homes and other assisted living facilities, to ensure that the state’s ban on visitations will be implemented.

Oklahoma’s List of Essential Businesses

To keep Oklahomans safe, non-essential businesses such as bars, nightclubs, restaurants without drive-thrus, movie houses, malls and other recreational areas, except golf courses, have been ordered to temporarily shut down up to April 30, 2020.

Although the state’s list of essential businesses basically follows those enumerated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Sooner State exempted other businesses.

Where other U.S. state governments are allowing providers of repairs and maintenance, San Jose towing services remain open as support to the transport industry and to private vehicle owners.

Nonetheless, the OK state permits retailers of auto parts to remain open. In fact, car dealers are likewise allowed to carry on with face-to-face selling activities during the public health crisis.

Other retail stores allowed to stay open include sellers of sporting goods and pet products, while those who render cleaning, housekeeping, and dry cleaning services, are permitted to offer and perform their respective trade.