It’s business, but not quite as usual.

Oklahoma’s Governor Stitt said at a recent press conference, “From the beginning it has been my intent to protect the health and lives of Oklahomans, especially our vulnerable populations, and mitigate the impact to Oklahoma’s economy and get Oklahomans safely back to work. We have put together a group of industry professionals from across our state, and they have been working with my Governor’s Solution Task Force and our health advisors to develop a way to get back open safely. As we begin to responsibly implement this measured response, we will continue to prioritize the safety of Oklahomans and base all decisions on the data in our state.”

With Governor Stitt’s OURS Plan (Open Up and Recovery Safety) Oklahoma will implementing a three phased approach to open businesses back up based on scientific modeling from public health experts in conjunction with guidance from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma State Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control.

Before proceeding to each new phase, the Secretary of Health and Mental Health will confirm that Oklahoma COVID-19 hospitalizations and incidents are at a manageable level and that hospitals are treating all patients without alternate care sites. Also that there is sufficient testing material in the state and the ability to conduct contract tracing is effective; and that the state can quickly and independently supply sufficient Personal Protective Equipment and critical medical equipment, including ICU equipment to handle a surge.

Under Phase I, which went into effect this past Friday, April 24 ^th , reopening of barber shops, hair salons, spas, nail salons, pet groomers and other personal care businesses was allowed but most adhere to sanitation protocols. State parks and outdoor recreation reopened but grocery stores should continue to maintain hours for vulnerable populations. Among those opening in the area, by appointment only, are Jarrett’s Barber Shop, Mary’s Beauty Shop, and Hannah Heck and Heather Clifford inside Carolyn’s Flowers.

On this Friday, May 1 ^st , dining, entertainment, movie theaters and sporting venues can operate using CDC-recommended social distancing and sanitation protocols. Gyms can reopen if they adhere to 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; nursery areas should remain closed. Please check with your home church about their plans for gatherings. Bars should remain closed.

Small Town Fitness gym and tanning will be opening for regular business this Friday. The Country Store Junction will be reopening their dining area this Friday with the Allen Quick Pic opening theirs on Monday, May 4 ^th .

Phase II, going into effect May 15 ^th , if hospital and incident rates remain at a manageable level for 14 days, will be the reopening of organized sports activities. Funerals and weddings can resume under social distancing protocols and church nurseries may reopen. Again if hospital and incident rates remain at a manageable level for 14 days, Phase III will begin. Phase III will allow for further public interaction. Summer camps can open. Visits to Senior Care Facilities and Hospitals should still be prohibited.

Remaining open locally through the pandemic have been The Allen Food Center, Farmers State Bank, All Washed Up Laundry, Allen Post Office, Allen Vet Clinic, and Allen Community Pharmacy. Drive up and curbside service has always been available at the Allen Food Center, Allen Quick Pic and Country Store Junction. The Allen Tag Agency has reopened with curbside service. Prairie Notions is open, Mondays to Saturdays, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm with other times available by appointment.

All openings and their individual requirements are at the owners’ discretion and must comply with local government restrictions.