Oklahoma will begin implementing a three-phased approach to open Oklahoma’s economy back up starting April 24, 2020. This statewide plan is:
- Based on scientific modeling from public health experts
- Intended to mitigate risk of resurgence
- Intended to protect Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens from the threat of COVID-19
- Intended for businesses and individuals to utilize in conjunction with guidance from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma State Health Department, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
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Retail and other essential businesses and organizations should continue to follow general CDC guidelines.
Specific businesses and organizations are advised to follow guidance for social distancing and sanitation. We are adding and updating guidance documents for specific businesses regularly. Please check back often for the latest.
Official Guidance
- Administrative Offices
- Bars
- Entertainment and Sporting Venues
- Festivals and Fairs
- Full Service and Quick Service Restaurants
- Hair and Nail Salons and Barbershops
- Health Centers and Gyms
- Indoor Playgrounds
- Museums and Cultural Institutions
- Outdoor Concerts
- Overnight Youth Programs and Summer Camps
- Outdoor Recreational Facilities
- Pet Care and Grooming Businesses
- Places of Worship
- Spas and Tanning Salons
- Tattoo Parlors and Body Piercing Shops
Supplemental Information
- Agriculture Event Reopening Guidance
Additional information from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry - Best Practices and Considerations for Nonprofit Re-engagement
Additional information from the Oklahoma Center for Non-profits - Considerations for Oklahoma Nonprofit Arts Organizations
Additional information from the Oklahoma Arts Council - A Blueprint for Shopping Safe
Additional information from the Oklahoma Retail Merchants Association
Common Questions & Answers
Find answers to common questions about the OURS reopening plan and industry and organization guidelines.
Business owners and organization leaders may fill out the OURS Plan Questions Form for help with their questions.
Occupational License Extension
Unless the current Executive Order is extended or withdrawn, occupational licenses that expire between March 17, 2020 and May 30, 2020 will be extended until June 13, 2020.
Residents with an occupational license should renew their license before then from the appropriate state board, agency or commission that governs their occupational license.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Needs
Businesses opening back up can find suppliers of personal protective equipment and other COVID-related supplies in our PPE Source Directory.
Oklahoma companies that manufacture or supply PPE and other needed supplies can fill out the form on the Commerce PPE webpage to be considered for inclusion.
Timeline & Phases
Phase 1 - Part 1
April 24, 2020, the following businesses can reopen:
- Personal care businesses, such as hair salons, barbershops, spas, nail salons, and pet groomers can reopen for appointments only, must adhere to sanitation protocols, and follow guidelines (see below) regarding social distancing between customers and visitors at personal care businesses.
- State parks and outdoor recreation should be reopened
- Grocery stores should continue to maintain hours for vulnerable populations
- Retail and other essential businesses are open and may operate per the Governor’s Executive Order.
Phase 1 - Part 2
May 1, 2020, the following businesses can reopen:
- Dining, entertainment, movie theaters and sporting venues can operate using CDC-recommended social distancing and sanitation protocols.
- Gyms can reopen if they adhere to CDC-recommended social distancing and sanitation protocols.
- Places of worship can reopen for in-person meetings or worship if they leave every other row or pew open and adhere to CDC-recommended social distancing and sanitation protocols, plus the recommended guidelines from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce as they are published.
- Bars should remain closed.
- Tattoo Parlors can reopen for appointments only and must adhere to sanitation protocols and social distancing protocols for distancing between customers and visitors.
Phase 2
Updates guidance for individuals and businesses once hospital and incident rates remain at a manageable level for 14 more days.
Phase 3
Updates guidance for individuals and businesses once hospital and incident rates remain at a manageable level statewide for 14 more days Phase 3 will apply, which will allow for further public interaction.
Further details for Phase 3 will be provided once the state enters Phase 2.
Detailed Plan
Read the Open Up & Recover Safely Plan for details about each phase. Check your local guidance for additional directions from your city or town.
OURS Plan Updates to Essential Industries
Update April 22, 2020: All essential businesses continue to be covered by the Governor’s Oklahoma Executive Order 2020-13- Third Amendment and are allowed to operate. See the Essential Industry List for a guide to essential businesses, which includes retail.
As the Governor’s Office reopens additional industries, businesses should consult the OURS plan guidelines (above) whether they have been operating as essential or are now reopening.
Additional steps to reopen the economy will depend on how well businesses implement safety measures and the continued spread of cases within Oklahoma.
Continue to consult your local authorities for additional restrictions or guidelines from cities and towns.
Essential Business Guidance
Follow the steps below to determine whether your business is considered essential. Business owners self-determine their status by following the guidance of the Executive Order and Memorandum. No certification or documentation from the Department of Commerce is required or provided.
Essential Industry Information
Review the Executive Order and Memorandum to determine if your business qualifies as part of an essential industry.
Oklahoma Executive Order 2020-13- Fourth Amendment
Amended Executive Memorandum 2020-01
Additional clarification is available in the Oklahoma Essential Industries List with NAICS codes and business descriptions.
Essential Business Concerns
If you are concerned that a business is operating unsafely or failing to comply with the Executive Order or a local order, contact your local authorities.
