Midwest City Implementing State's Phase 2 Plan to Open the Economy

Based on continued decline in the percentage of positive cases of COVID-19, Governor Stitt announced that Phase 2 of the Open Up and Recover Safely (OURS) plan will be implemented today. The City of Midwest City is mirroring the Governor’s plan to open the economy and will allow organized sports to resume and bars to reopen.

In addition, weddings and funerals can now include groups of more than 10 people and children’s nursery areas in places of worship can reopen.

Midwest City’s playgrounds, tennis courts and basketball courts are reopening today.

“Most local businesses have reopened with a few exceptions,” said Economic Development Director Robert Coleman. “Many of the ones remaining closed are corporately-owned and are simply following orders.”

“This is a great time to safely patronize local, independently-owned establishments who really value and appreciate the business,” Coleman said.

Phase 2 continues to emphasize social distancing from others when in public as well as avoiding socializing in groups where social distancing is not possible. Visits to senior care facilities and hospitals are still prohibited and those over 65 or part of a vulnerable population should continue safer-at-home guidelines.

“It is important for our businesses to continue follow the recommended safety protocols and for our residents to continue social distancing,” said City Manager Tim Lyon.

Lyon said Midwest City residents have responded well to the safety recommendations. As a result, the local hospital never experienced the surge of patients that was predicted and is fully open to serve the community.

“The safety protocols and practices are intended to prevent or slow the spread of the virus, which is what will enable us to implement Phase 3 next month,” Lyon said.

If the data supports it, the state will move into Phase 3, the final stage, of the OURS plan on June 1.

Midwest City plans to reopen the Senior Center, as well as rentals of pavilions and the Community Center on June 1.  Reno Swim and Slide is also scheduled to open, pending the hiring of the required number of lifeguards.

City Hall and other City facilities opened earlier this month and all require those entering to wear a mask or some type of face covering.

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5-15-2020