I had to go to the local Big Lots for some essentials. Only several people were there. I was glad the store was looking out for customers, probably done out of local government directive. The entrance doors were propped open, so you didn't have to touch them to come in. At checkouts, X's were marked on the floor for distancing. Of course, the cashier would have to cough in her elbow, but a small clear plastic screen was set up in front of her.
Here is the mayor's Saturday update:
Payne County now has 12 positive COVID-19 cases, up from 7 yesterday. This is consistent with our expectation, and there are still a number of unconfirmed cases in our community. The rising case numbers reflect the availability of testing, but not a lot of other insight.
Our concern continues to be on the number of hospitalizations and deaths, which may reflect more about the ongoing spread of coronavirus. Deaths in Oklahoma jumped from 8 to 15 overnight.
OKC and Tulsa jointly issued new “shelter in place” orders today. These orders expand Governor Stitt’s “safer at home” policy, which applies only to vulnerable populations, to all residents of OKC and Tulsa. Both cities continue to use the Governor’s list of nonessential business closures.
As I wrote earlier this week, we are all vulnerable to this virus and we should all abide by the safer at home guidelines: Stay home except for essential errands or to work at an essential business. Many of you have pointed out to me that our community is not following this advice, and I share this concern.
City staff is working on a shelter in place order for Stillwater that will align with OKC, Tulsa, and Norman, which issued a similar order earlier this week. Stillwater’s order will likely take effect on Tuesday morning, as we work to determine the details of enforcement and application.
Our efforts to slow the spread of this virus are best undertaken collectively and regionally, so that we can all protect each other. I urge other communities in Oklahoma, as well as the Governor, to adopt these more stringent standards as well.
