Covid-19 in OKC (coronavirus)

[Ohwiseone]

I am generally curious on if the Governor will make his new orders so they supersede local orders.
Unless he has reassurances from OKC and Tulsa Mayors that they are going to modify their own proclamations after April 30th, but I don't feel like Mayor Holt or Bynum would actually do this.

Also, it is interesting to me that the Gov. orders don't mention retail establishments, I wonder if he is leaving that up to the cities or the individual retailers them-selfs.

[Teo9969]

Mayor Clark of Norman already voiced disagreement with this position of the Guv. But it wasn't due to falling in line with Holt. She was out in front of this when Holt was still figuring it out.

The only thing that matters is that Edmond, Norman, OKC, etc have a plan that applies consistently throughout the metro, regardless of origin. If we have a bunch of suburbs following less restrictive rules and with other following more restrictive rules, the more restrictive rules are substantially undermined.

[Pete]

Press release:

***************

Statement from Mayor Holt: personal care services in OKC must remain closed at least through April 30
04/22/2020

Mayor Bynum and I, as well as the Oklahoma Municipal League, have been in constant communication with the Governor this last week as he has developed a statewide vision for a new phase in pandemic response. We are very appreciative for that line of communication with the Governor.

As was announced three weeks ago, and in the interest of public health, our city’s shelter in place proclamation lasts through April 30th, as does the closure of personal care services.

On the advice of our local public health experts, it is our intent to follow the spirit of the White House criteria for potentially entering a new phase after April 30th. We dearly hope that public health data allows Oklahoma City to consider entering that new phase on May 1st as the Governor has envisioned. We will continue to monitor public health data and will provide updates on our local plans as we have them.

[jerrywall]

The only thing that matters is that Edmond, Norman, OKC, etc have a plan that applies consistently throughout the metro, regardless of origin. If we have a bunch of suburbs following less restrictive rules and with other following more restrictive rules, the more restrictive rules are substantially undermined.

Didn't we have a city or two in the metro drag their feet in declaring an emergency or locking down? Like Del City or something?

[Bill Robertson]

I don’t remember how long but in Yukon restaurants were open at least a couple of days after OKC closed up.

[Pete]

In talking to several restaurant operators, none are anxious to reopen.

June is probably more realistic but even then some may choose to wait longer. It's not like people are going to be stampeding to dine in, especially because the workers will likely still be taking extra precautions only to remind everyone that they could be contaminated.

It's going to take more than some politicians with obvious agendas to restore consumer confidence.

[Bill Robertson]

In talking to several restaurant operators, none are anxious to reopen.

June is probably more realistic but even then some may choose to wait longer. It's not like people are going to be stampeding to dine in, especially because the workers will likely still be taking extra precautions only to remind everyone that they could be contaminated.

It's going to take more than some politicians with obvious agendas to restore consumer confidence.

Part of me can’t wait to get back to my couple regular places and see familiar faces. Then part of me is really nervous about going back anytime soon. I’m certain the latter will win.

[kukblue1]

Part of me can’t wait to get back to my couple regular places and see familiar faces. Then part of me is really nervous about going back anytime soon. I’m certain the latter will win.

I have been thinking hard about this. I probably wouldn't go back into a place until the numbers get way lower. 100 new cases a day for the whole state isn't bad I guess. How many of those in the metro? Either way I would like the case count to be down to about 10 a day in the Metro and 50 for the state. Then maybe I'll start going out.

[Edmond Hausfrau]

Most people who had AIDS died of pneumonia or other causes. This is the way diseases work.

This is correct and I thank you for mentioning it.

[Edmond Hausfrau]

I'm very disappointed how few people in OKC are wearing masks in public. The masks are to protect others. What happened to the Oklahoma Standard or even the Christian notion of I am my brother's keeper? Even worse, it seems to be mainly younger people who are not wearing masks.

[Bill Robertson]

I'm very disappointed how few people in OKC are wearing masks in public. The masks are to protect others. What happened to the Oklahoma Standard or even the Christian notion of I am my brother's keeper? Even worse, it seems to be mainly younger people who are not wearing masks.

Wearing a mask is simply not that big a deal. I sewed (yes I sew) myself a half dozen and wear one anytime I’m in a store, etc. I don’t know about the age thing though. Since I’m 60ish I go to the grocery in the first hour that many stores have set aside for 55 or 60 and older. I’ve estimated maybe 20% of customers wearing masks. And this would be considered a high risk group.

However, this makes me wonder. If so many people are ignoring safety protocols now anyway will we see a huge uptick in numbers when we reopen. I don’t know. It will be interesting. But hopefully not scary.

[Bunty]

I agree. I also expect that the major cities will be more strict than the state on reopening. The 2 weeks might be sufficient for many of the smaller and rural communities though.

Stillwater to continue shelter-in-place order despite Stitt's plan.
https://www.ocolly.com/news/stillwat...3c6deca78.html

Stillwater and Payne County have no deaths from COVID-19, so don't see any use in extending shut down there beyond April 30. Smaller cities and counties with no deaths will quite likely feel the same way.

[Bunty]

In talking to several restaurant operators, none are anxious to reopen.

June is probably more realistic but even then some may choose to wait longer. It's not like people are going to be stampeding to dine in, especially because the workers will likely still be taking extra precautions only to remind everyone that they could be contaminated.

It's going to take more than some politicians with obvious agendas to restore consumer confidence.

Keeping people 6 ft. apart at tables and making them wait for tables doesn't sound very profitable.

[Bunty]

He was asked if he would force cities to follow this order. He said “he would cross that bridge when he got there.”

This will be interesting

But the governor never objected to the cities shutting things down locally before he did statewide .

[TheTravellers]

Keeping people 6 ft. apart at tables and making them wait for tables doesn't sound very profitable.

I've been saying that for weeks, and read a story today that quoted a restaurateur (wow, that is right, always thought it had an "n" in it) that said to make a profit, he has to have 90-100 people (or tables) in the restaurant, and if he can only have half that amount, he'll still go under. He's also not taking one of the loans for that reason - if he hire all his staff back, then only have half the customers, he won't make the profit he need and he'll have to close *again*.

[jerrywall]

But the governor never objected to the cities shutting things down locally before he did statewide .

And I'd be surprised if he objected now. And it sort of makes sense... the state should set the "minimum" standards, but those standards might be more appropriate for more rural or smaller communities, or areas which have largely been spared. I'd expect the more heavily populated urban areas to maybe take a little longer or have higher criteria. Regardless, if they are going to exceed the state guidance, I hope communities publicize it and it's clear cut and science based. If Edmond, for example, wants to remain closed I think it's fair to expect them to share the guidance and information they're using to make that decision on, and I'll be asking for it if it's not offered.

[OKC Guy]

Didn’t know which thread to post in but here’s a site that tracks all companies involved in vaccine research.

COVID-19 vaccine tracker

Every single COVID-19 vaccine research effort, their status and timelines:

https://www.raps.org/news-and-articl...accine-tracker

[Teo9969]

I've been saying that for weeks, and read a story today that quoted a restaurateur (wow, that is right, always thought it had an "n" in it) that said to make a profit, he has to have 90-100 people (or tables) in the restaurant, and if he can only have half that amount, he'll still go under. He's also not taking one of the loans for that reason - if he hire all his staff back, then only have half the customers, he won't make the profit he need and he'll have to close *again*.

This is only because most of our restaurants are too big. Renting out 4, 5, 6 thousand square feet is what's going to kill a lot of operators if they cannot renegotiate their rent. Beyond the physical space, having that many tables gives you the *prospect* of needing to service all those tables at the same time, so you have to have more kitchen staff and host/bus staff which you're likely going to have to pay higher wages to.

[dankrutka]

The problem is that keeping people 6 feet a part indoors is not going to prevent COVID-19 spread. A recent study showed how a lot of people in line with the air conditioning flow were all infected. I support local businesses in my community almost every day, but I don’t anticipate eating inside a restaurant this year. Maybe businesses with large outdoor spaces could make something work. I’ll keep doing contact free carry out or delivery.

[Teo9969]

The problem (for those concerned about the virus or spread thereof) is that keeping people 6 feet a part indoors is not going to prevent COVID-19 spread. A recent study showed how a lot of people in line with the air conditioning flow were all infected. I support local businesses in my community almost every day, but I don’t anticipate eating inside a restaurant this year. Maybe businesses with large outdoor spaces could make something work. I’ll keep doing contact free carry out or delivery.

FIFY

Not saying I'm not with you on that, just think it's pertinent clarification.

[Pete]

Numbers just updated for Thursday:

[jerrywall]

You wouldn't think the hospitalization #s would be affected by the weekend, but if you look at this week (21,22,23) and the same days for the last two weeks (14,15,16) and (7, 8, 9) you see the same pattern, so I'm guessing the weekends are causing that pattern.

[Jersey Boss]

It was reported that one of the losses was that of the brother of Senator Elizabeth Warren. He passed in Norman.

[jn1780]

Preliminary results from the hardest hit US city with ideal conditions for the spread of the virus. 21% of NYC projection to have received it. More testing results will fine tune this number and add to the confidence level.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/23/n...rk-update.html

[kukblue1]

You wouldn't think the hospitalization #s would be affected by the weekend, but if you look at this week (21,22,23) and the same days for the last two weeks (14,15,16) and (7, 8, 9) you see the same pattern, so I'm guessing the weekends are causing that pattern.

Maybe people are going out and about on Saturday and Sunday. Shopping at stores or having family over then they start to show symptoms in the day 5-7 range. Thursday-Sunday and then day 10-12 when they are start getting worse they head for the Hospital? Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Just a thought.