OKLAHOMA CITY – Saying it was time for a measured effort, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced that non-essential businesses – which were closed on March 24 an effort to fight the spread of the Covid-19 virus – could begin reopening on May 1.
Stitt made the announcement at a press conference Tuesday at the state Capitol.
Though the May 1 date, for some municipal officials, remains controversial, Stitt said current data shows the state can being to allow business such as gyms, movie theaters and restaurants to reopen.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum have been hesitant to repeal their executive orders closing non-essential businesses. Stitt said he had been in contact with both men and that he ‘got it’ that many remained concerned about the Covid-19 virus.
“I’ve never been heavy handed with mayors,” he said. “I’m putting out guidance for the entire state. Some mayors chose to be more restrictive and that’s okay.”
Stitt left open the idea, though, that he could clamp down again, if the number of hospitalizations from the virus increased. “We reserve the right to push those phases back,” he said. ‘But we feel like it’s the right time to take a measured reopening stance.”