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These are some of the most recent closures reported in nearby communities.
Visitation at Blaine County Jail has been suspended. As soon as the video system is up and running, tele-visitation will be restored, according to Undersheriff David Robertson. The state has postponed all jury trials for 30 days.
The Watonga Public Library has discontinued public computer usage. Wifi remains available 24/7. The library will close at 4 p.m. and there will be no Saturday hours. All programs have been cancelled and fines will not be assessed to overdue items. Patrons may call ahead or email for online use or for other items to be brought to vehicles in the parking area.
Public school teachers will continue to be paid because the school closure is based on an epidemic and such payment is allowed by statute. Schools are searching for guidance on paying support personnel.
Nursing homes across the state have suspended all visits that are not medically necessary.
The state capitol has limited access to elected state officials, essential staff, credentialed members of the press and invited state officials to attend essential meetings. The U.S. Capitol has similar restrictions in place.
Wal mart stores have curtailed their hours at all outlets to 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
County health departments do not offer testing for COVID-19. Although the Oklahoma State Department of Health has received more test kits, individuals must still meet the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control to be tested. Those guidelines include exposure to a positive case or travel to areas of spread, including domestic travel. There are currently 10 known positive cases in Oklahoma. Anyone with symptoms should call their healthcare provider and determine the best course of action.
Redlands Community College has gone from onsite classes to online delivery from March 23-April 3. The office hours and services at the college will r e m a i n unchanged. Concurrent class es held on high school campuses will also transition to online until the schools, closed by directive by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, reopen.
Oklahoma State University has suspended all universityrelated events, including workshops, scheduled to between March 14-April 5.
Mid-America Christian University is transitioning all on-campus classes to an online learning environment for a two-week period following spring break, beginning March 23 through Friday, April 3.
Fort Sill has limited access to the public. It is one of the bases where new soldier enlistees take basic training and where some artillery schools are held. Troop movements inside the U.S. have been curtailed by the Pentagon until May.
Frontier City is temporarily closed. Oklahoma City Zoo closed is until March 23 and will re-evaluate at that time. Oklahoma City Museum of Art has temporarily closed. Science Museum of Oklahoma has closed until March 30. The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is postponed until October. Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum has temporarily closed, and the April 19 memorial ceremony altered. Details will be listed as they become available.
The Chickasaw Nation has closed its casinos, retreat and conference center, as has the Cherokee Nation. The casinos closed March 16 and will remain closed until March 31. Chickasaw employees will continue to be paid during the closure according to Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby. The Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa has closed temporarily
The Sod House Museum has rescheduled the genealogy seminar to 10 a.m. June 13.
All Levi’s and Levi Outlet stores in U.S. will close until March 27 with store staff being paid as scheduled through the end date.
Connie Burcham can be reached at Editor@WatongaRepublican.com