A shelter-in-place order goes into effect for Broken Arrow at noon on Wednesday.
Residents are to stay home through April 30 unless they are going to work at an essential job or taking care of a household need, like buying groceries, picking up prescriptions or putting gas in the car.
Mayor Craig Thurmond said the order is based on what he’s seen and heard since the city’s emergency proclamation to close bars and restaurants on March 19.
"I have made two determinations: First, what we're currently doing is not enough. Additionally, social distancing measures are necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19," Thurmond said.
City parks and open spaces, including golf courses, remain open but playgrounds and other amenities are closed, and the city will close golf courses if they don’t comply with social distancing measures like prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more people.
"On behalf of the council and administration, I'm asking everyone to stay home and do your part. This is a serious situation. It's time to take unprecedented action," Thurmond said. "I know this is uncomfortable, but we have to do this."
Essential businesses are also being asked to adhere to guidelines for social distancing and other steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Thurmond said if they don’t, he will ask the city council to put additional restrictions on them.
