Tulsa mayor issues shelter-in-place order effective at midnight

(TULSA, Okla.) Mayor G.T Bynum issued a Safer at Home Order Saturday for all Tulsans beginning at 11:59 p.m. through April 16 to slow the spread of COVID-19. Earlier this week, the State of Oklahoma issued a Safer at Home Order statewide for those 65 years or older and individuals with underlying medical conditions. Mayor Bynum’s order includes all Tulsans regardless of age. “In discussions over the last several days with my colleague in Oklahoma City, Mayor David Holt, we determined that this combination of orders was getting us close to shelter-in-place but it was confusing for local law enforcement to carry out and there was still more that needed to be done,” Bynum said. “So the City of Tulsa and the City of Oklahoma City are today announcing Safer At Home orders in collaboration with one another.” Bynum said the order is not a recommendation. It is an order made to protect the lives of Tulsans. It will be enforced by the Tulsa Police Department. Officers have discretion to issue citations, and if absolutely necessary take people to jail for violation of this order. “Our hospitals work like an elevator in an office building,” Bynum said. “That elevator may transport hundreds of people over the course of a day. But if everyone who rides that elevator over the course of a day tried to enter it at one time it wouldn’t work. Similarly, if we can slow the spread over a longer period of time, our local health care system will handle it. But it cannot handle a massive surge all at once. We have no margin for error here. This is why Tulsans are Safer At Home.” Not only does the Tulsa Safer at Home order apply to all ages, but all public and private events or social gatherings outside of a family or living unit are no longer allowed. Mayor Bynum amended his prior executive order to reflect a complete prohibition on events and social gatherings rather than the previous 10-person minimum. The City of Tulsa is following the State of Oklahoma’s Order as it relates to essential and non-essential business closures. Essential businesses as outlined by the State of Oklahoma remain open and work performed for an essential business is being conducted. Essential workers and businesses do not need documentation, nor does anyone needing to make essential trips to these businesses. Tulsa has already put in place many safeguards that meet criteria for shelter in place orders across the country including limiting gatherings, closing non-essential businesses with work at home strategies and instituting distance learning during school closures. The cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City are implementing this measure simultaneously in Oklahoma’s two largest cities. The following guidelines can be followed for Tulsans as we work together as a community to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Tulsa Safer at Home Executive Order, FAQ and State of Oklahoma essential and non-essential business list can be found at: www.cityoftulsa.org/COVID-19. Under the Tulsa Safer at Home Order, Tulsans can: Go to the grocery, convenience or warehouse store. Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities. Go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first). Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-thru. Care or support for a friend or family member. Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog and be in nature for exercise — just keep at least six feet between you and others in the community. Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian, if necessary. Help someone get necessary supplies for their health and well-being. Work under the essential guidelines provided by the State of Oklahoma. Basic Health Tips COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person contact. Contraction can best be prevented through washing hands and physical distancing up to 6 feet. For more information, visit: www.tulsa-health.org/COVID19