Advertisement Norman mayor issues 'stay-at-home' order amid COVID-19 pandemic

Norman Mayor Breea Clark issued a "stay-at-home" order that will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.>> Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Latest local updatesClark issued the order during a news conference Tuesday. She said the "stay-at-home" order will be in effect for 21 days, ending at 11:59 p.m. April 14. "We do not have the luxury to wait for these things to get worse before we take action to slow the spread and protect our community," Clark said. "These actions will also protect our health care workers and first responders and, hopefully, avoid overwhelming our health care system as a whole."The order closes all nonessential businesses and asks Norman residents to stay at home, except for essential activities. According to Norman city officials, essential activities include:To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family and close personal acquaintances, such as, by way of example only and without limitation, obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home.To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or household members, or close personal acquaintances, or to deliver those services or supplies to others, such as, by way of example only and without limitation, canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.To assist in the preparation of food and drink for delivery and carry out, or to pick up food or drink for carry out.To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section, such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, biking, hiking, or running;To perform work providing essential products and services at an Essential Business or to otherwise carry out activities specifically permitted in this Order; andTo care for a family member, close personal acquaintance, or pet in another household.According to a news release, nonessential businesses and operations my continue to operate to the extent employees, contractors or other agents can perform business activities at their own residences. At the end of the 21 days, Clark and other Norman city and health officials will evaluate the community's status and decide whether the "stay-at-home" order will be extended. More information about Norman's COVID-19 plan can be found here. As of Tuesday, more than 100 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19, and a Cleveland County resident, a woman in her 60s, was the state’s third person who died due to the virus, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.