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Broken Arrow Mayor Cancels COVID-19 Orders, City to Follow Stitt's Reopening Plan

Rose District

Broken Arrow Mayor Craig Thurmond canceled on Thursday some emergency proclamations that instituted restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19.

They will expire at midnight. Thurmond's action coincides with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s plan to begin reopening some nonessential businesses and clears the way for places like barber shops, salons, tattoo parlors and pet groomers in the city to start taking clients by appointment only Friday after being closed more than a month.

"So, we’re going to support that and we’re going to do it very safely and very smartly, and as the mayor said, this is very voluntary right now. Businesses don’t have to open if they don’t choose to or if they don’t have their employees back or if they don’t have an appointment," said City Manager Michael Spurgeon.

Thurmond said his action will also mean residents no longer have to shelter in place. Broken Arrow’s shelter in place order was set to expire April 30.

"Those that are 65 and the vulnerable need to still stay at home, but the reality is that you have the freedom to get out and patronize some of these businesses if you make an appointment, if these businesses feel that it’s safe to open and they take all the precautions," Thurmond said.

Businesses that do reopen must follow CDC guidelines, such as frequently sanitizing surfaces and allowing for physical distancing between customers and employees.

Suggested precautions for businesses that choose to reopen include checking employees’ temperatures before they start work and requiring workers and customers to wear masks.

Park amenities closed last month will not reopen this week.

City officials are working on guidelines for restaurants, churches and other establishments Stitt says can reopen May 1.

Matt Trotter joined KWGS as a reporter in 2013. Before coming to Public Radio Tulsa, he was the investigative producer at KJRH. His freelance work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and on MSNBC and CNN.
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