Doors Creak Open on Businesses Statewide
Even as the state prepares for easing into reopening, cases of the Covid-19 virus continue to rise. As of 11 a.m. April 28, there were 130 additional cases reported, bringing the Oklahoma count to 3,410 cases. There have been 207 deaths in the state, up 10 from yesterday, although none of the deaths occurred in the past 24 hours. Nationally there have been 988,197 cases reported and 56,259 deaths attributed to the Covid-19 virus.
There are still no cases in Blaine County. One is confirmed in Hydro, but that patient is on the Caddo County side of town. Testing will continue with curbside service at the Blaine County Health Department by appointment only.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced April 22 the state would begin a slow process of reopening, with public and non-essential services being phased in. Hairdressers and nail salons, along with dog groomers, opened April 24, provided they limited access to their shops, wore masks, checked clients for fever and used ramped up disinfecting and cleaning processes between cus tomers.
Stitt noted hospitalizations for Covid-19 have decreased since a high of 560 on March 30. New cases, he said, continue to decline even though more tests are being conducted.
In a press conference April 28, it was announced saliva testing will begin at all longterm care facilities and all residents will be tested. It was unclear when saliva testing will be available to the general public.
“We know the virus will continue to be around for a long time. We’re not out of the woods yet. But we will continue to take a measured response, keep testing and tracing contacts,” he said.
Vulnerable residents – those older or with underlying health issues that make them at greater risk if they were to contract the virus – should remain at home other than for essential errands like going to the doctor, pharmacy or grocery store.
During this first phase, residents should continue social distancing, wash hands or use hand sanitizer often and limit non-essential travel.
If there is no pronounced spike in cases, the next phase of the plan will begin May 1. Businesses such as gyms, restaurant dining rooms, theaters and churches and retail establishments considered non-essential may reopen, although church nurseries are to remain closed and bars are still shuttered.
If another two weeks passes without a spike in cases, organized sports, funerals and weddings may resume with social distancing observed and bars may reopen. Church nurseries may begin operating again.
Following that phase, if the number of cases in the state remains manageable, the next phase, arguably the most important phase can begin, focusing on restoration of businesses and the economy, although the details on that phase have yet to be released.
Connie Burcham can be reached at Editor@WatongaRepublican.com