Stitt ‘Hopeful’ but, ‘Not out of the Woods Yet’

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said Wednesday that he is looking to reopen shuttered businesses as the curve is flattening in the number of coronavirus cases in the state.

A ban on elective surgeries will be lifted April 24, Stitt said, and his Safer at Home order that shut down non-essential businesses and banned gatherings of more than 10 people expires six days later, although he is extending the order to the elderly and those most vulnerable to the virus.

“We are working on plans to reopen our state, but let me be clear, we’re not out of the woods yet,” Stitt said.

Social distancing and safety measures such as frequent hand washing should continue, Stitt said, and that he is conferring with state health officials on reopening businesses such as restaurants, barber shops and museums.

Stitt said he is basing his decision on a decline in the number of hospitalizations during the past two weeks.

“That number peaked at 560 on March 30 and has slowly gone down … it was I think 420 or so (Tuesday),” according to Stitt.