Several OKC Establishments To Reopen Friday Under Special Guidelines

Many Oklahoma City establishments will be allowed to reopen Friday under specific regulations and practices.

Restaurant, salons, stores, gyms and places of worship have been granted permission to open their doors when the April 30 "shelter in place" order expires.

“We put in these conditions yesterday that add a layer of protection for some of these high risk activities like eating in a restaurant, getting your hair cut, going to the gym,” Oklahoma City Mayor Dave Holt said.

Restrictions include daily monitoring of employee temperatures, sanitizing objects and surfaces, and employees with close contact to customers wearing masks.

The mayor’s proclamation breaks down additional rules for each category of establishment.

Restaurants are required to place occupied tables six feet apart.

Salons are required to offer disposable face masks to customers without face coverings.

Gym patrons are required to sanitize or wipe down equipment after usage.

Buffets, bars and city playgrounds are ordered to remain closed.

“You've got to continue keeping your distance, you've got to continue to wash your hands, you've got to continue to wear masks when you're in public,” Holt said.

Holt said he has concerns about reopening locally. He said he felt some pressure to do so after Gov. Kevin Stitt announced he would begin reopening the state.

“I was very clear in my remarks last week. We have external factors. The state is lifting its restrictions, so it really put us in a position as a city, where we had to move into that new phase as well,” Holt said.

A survey from the OKC Chamber said employee fear is the biggest barrier to reopening.

Holt said he’s hoping responsible behavior by customers will keep everyone safe.

“I think the message to everybody is to continue taking this seriously and recognizing that the virus doesn't know it's May 1,” Holt said.