Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order Tuesday afternoon that will further shut down businesses and keep the most vulnerable population indoors for the next five weeks in order to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The elderly and those with compromised immune systems are ordered to stay inside through April 30.

Restrictions are more severe for the 19 counties that have had a positive test of COVID-19 confirmed. All non-essential businesses in counties with a positive case have been ordered to shut down by 11:59 p.m. on March 25. Businesses such as bars, gyms, hair salons, movie theaters, tattoo parlors and any business that has social gathering in those counties are to shut down for 21 days. Restaurants are not allowed to serve food inside the establishment but are permitted to operate with carry-out and curb side pickup only. The restrictions will expand to other counties as they have a positive test confirmed.

All elective surgeries, minor medical procedures and non-emergency dental procedures will be suspended for the next 14 days in order to preserve the limited supplies of personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks and face shields. Visitation to nursing homes and all longterm care facilities will end until further notice, effective immediately. In addition, the executive order prohibits groups of 10 or more people from gathering anywhere in the state as of midnight on March 24.

“We don’t make these decisions lightly. We know if affects all four million Oklahomans. We must come together in the next few days. We are going to get through this, Oklahoma. We have been in tough times before. Together, we will come through this stronger,” Gov. Stitt said.

Oklahoma has seen the number of those infected with COVID-19 rise to 106, but Gov. Stitt warned that number could be closer to 500 due to a lack of available tests. There are plans to designate two hospitals in the state for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in order to pool together available resources. More information about those hospitals is expected in the coming days.

The Governor also encouraged anyone feeling sick or anyone who has been around someone who is sick to stay home and self-quarantine. Guidelines for all Oklahomans from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) include practicing social distancing, reducing person-to-person contact, frequently washing hands and avoiding touching your face.

If you develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or cough, please contact your medical professional or call the COVID-19 call center at (877) 215-8336 or 211 for assistance. For the latest information from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.