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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: March 16 - March 23

Posted at 12:12 PM, Mar 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-28 13:14:39-04

March 23, 2020
3:28 p.m.
State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister announced Monday that she will propose distance learning to the State Board of Education for the rest of the school year. The continuous learning plan would be expected to begin April 6, according to a statement released by officials. Hofmeister will discuss the plan during a virtual board meeting on Wednesday, March 25. OETA, Oklahoma’s educational public TV network, will broadcast instructional daytime programming for the state’s PreK-12 students, officials said. Hofmeister said, the top priority for districts should be ensuring that high school seniors graduate this school year without being negatively impacted by the pandemic.

March 20, 2020
10:33 p.m.
The U.S. Department of Education approved waivers to suspend assessments and Oklahoma School Report Cards for the 2019-20 school year, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

March 20, 2020
10:06 p.m.
The University of Oklahoma announced Friday evening that a second member of the OU Norman community tested positive for COVID-19.

March 20, 2020
8:38 p.m.
Governor Kevin Stitt announced Friday on social media that small businesses in all 77 Oklahoma counties were approved for low-interest disaster loans. Stitt said the loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Businesses affected by COVID-19 can apply at SBA.gov/disaster.

March 20, 2020
5:42 p.m.
The Tulsa Health Department is advising individuals returning from spring break to monitor their health and practice social distancing for 14 days after returning home.

March 20, 2020
2:15 p.m.

Officials with Tulsa Public Schools announced today they will be providing all children that are 18 years and under with "nutritious meals free of charge." These "Grab-and-Go" meals, both breakfast and lunch meals, will be available starting March 23. Officials say the meals will be available at approximately 38 sites and "Meals on Wheels" will be delivered to approximately 170 bus sites in the city. The services will be provided from March 23 through April 3. Officials say should there be a longer closure, meals will continue to be provided to Tulsa students. Click here for meal-sites and times.

The TPS "Grab-and-Go" meals service schedule is listed below:

Monday, March 23: *special one-time schedule* with curbside meal pick-up

· 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.: breakfast

· 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: lunch and breakfast for the following day


Tuesday, March 24 – Friday, April 3: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with curbside meal pick-up
Meals provided:
o Monday-Thursday: lunch and breakfast for the following day

o Friday: lunch and breakfast for the following Monday

March 20, 2020
1:25 p.m.

Oklahoma Senate leaders issued the below statements today:

“The Oklahoma Senate will remain closed through Friday, March 27. During this time, we are working hard, be it remotely, to help deliver essential state services and to meet the needs of our constituents during this health crisis. Senators and our staff remain in constant contact with the governor and other executive branch officials in health care and education, our federal delegation and various leaders from key private sector industries as we work to address this serious health care crisis.”

“At this point, no final plans have been made on when the 2020 session or the state budget will be completed, but our senators are working hard with their legislative counterparts on those and other important issues.”

“The Senate has not yet learned the results of COVID-19 testing performed on personnel and senators earlier this week. We remain in continuous contact with OU Medicine, which is working to get those results. OU Medicine says the private lab with which they have contracted for testing is experiencing an overwhelming demand.”

“Finally, I want to express thanks on behalf of the entire Oklahoma Senate to all those who have reached out to inquire about our health and safety. We are doing well and are working hard for Oklahoma. I appreciate the staff and members of the Oklahoma Senate for their professionalism in this hour. We should all be confident that our state and our nation will endure through this time as we have throughout history, by pulling together and working toward the common good.” – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

March 20, 2020
11:45 a.m.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health announced that they have entered into a "new public-private partnership with Diagnostic Labs of Oklahoma" to help increase the state's capacity for getting results for coronavirus (COVID-19) tests. With this partnership, officials say "more than 300 test specimens were immediately shipped yesterday to DLO’s facility in Dallas, Texas, for results within the next couple days."

“The Oklahoma State Department of Health appreciates the strengthened partnership with DLO to send COVID-19 test kits to its facilities in Dallas for rapid results,” said Commissioner of Health Gary Cox. “The state is committed to expanding testing and result capacity by building out more public-private partnerships here at home and across the United States. Thanks to action taken at the federal level, we are expecting more supplies to come online in the coming days to support our efforts."

This new partnership will allow COVID-19 test result to given within a two-to-three-day time frame, officials say. The Public Health Laboratory will prioritize it's in-house supply that delivers results in 24-hours for Oklahomans that are most vulnerable.
Officials identified the most vulnerable populations as:

  • Where a cluster of individuals are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as a nursing home.
  • Individuals who are age 60 or older

As this new public-private lab partnership expands Oklahoma’s capacity to deliver timely results, it will allow the OSDH, county health departments, hospitals, health care providers and others begin pursuing innovative options for increasing access to COVID-19 testing,Cox said.

March 20, 20202
11:40 a.m.

Officials with the Oklahoma Baptist University announced today "that all courses will be delivered in an online format for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester."

March 20, 2020
11:10 a.m.

Oklahoma State University says they are encouraging all students that live in single-student housing, that have somewhere to live off campus, to move out of the dorms for the rest of the semester. Officials say they are working with those students who don't have anywhere to go. OSU is futher amplifying social distancing by moving all classes online for the remainder of the semester.

March 20. 2020
9:05 a.m.

Officials with the City of Tulsa posted on their Facebook page this morning the importance of not flushing certain products down the toilet into the city's and home's sewer systems. The City of Tulsa says that items like Lysol wipes, bathroom wipes, baby wipes, paper towels and feminie products should not be flushed down, even if the product says it's "flushable."

March 20, 2020
9:00 a.m.

Poppi's Urban Spa, located at 3rd and Frankfort in downtown Tulsa, will be handing out free beautiful floral bouquets this afternoon. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Poppi's Urban Spa is "closed indefinitely." TJ Woodberry says, "While we are closed to the public our hearts remain open to our community during this difficult time." Therefore, in order to help boost moral in the Tulsa community, Poppi's Urban Spa will be handing out 60 gorgeous blooms, curbside, starting this afternoon. For more information on Poppi's Urban Spa, click here.

March 20, 2020
8:14 a.m.

WAYS 2 HELP: TULSA AREA ORGANIZATIONS SET UP RESPONSE FUND TO HELP FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS

According to a press release, several organizations in the Tulsa area have teamed up to help individuals by setting up a COVID-10 Response Fund. Officials say the Tulsa Community Foundation and Tulsa Area United Way began the response fund to help families and people facing hardships due to food, temporary unemployment or lost of income, and childcare expenses in relations to the coronavirus pandemic. To donate to the response fund, click here.
At this time, the major donors are listed below. Please note, this list will continue to be updated:George Kaiser Family FoundationCharles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation Coretz Family Foundation Hardesty Family Foundation Hale Family Foundation The Judith and Jean Pape Adams Charitable Foundation ONE Gas Foundation Public Service Company of Oklahoma QuikTrip Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation Bank of Oklahoma Kivisto Family Fund
March 19, 2020
10:31 p.m.
On March 23, Union Public Schools announced it will begin free drive-though meal pick-ups for kids at three different locations during the weekdays from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Here are the following locations:
Ellen Ochoa Elementary, 12000 East 31st Street- East-side drop-off6th and 7th Grade Center, 10100 East 61st Street- South side drop-offJefferson Elementary, 8418 South 107th Ave.- South side drop-off
March 19, 2020
10:18 p.m.
The Oklahoma Human Services announced Thursday that all office visits will be 'by appointment only,' effective Friday, March 20. Officials say if customers have difficulty with online service, they can call 405-522-5050 for assistance or to schedule an appointment.

March 19, 2020
March 19, 2020
Mayor Craig Thurmond signed an emergency declaration to limit and close certain commercial businesses in the City of Broken Arrow due to concerns regarding COVID-19. Broken Arrow City Council members voted to approve the proclamation during an emergency meeting Thursday. Officials say they are following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Tulsa County Health Department to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The proclamation takes effect March 20 at 11:59 p.m.

March 19, 2020
4:14 p.m.
The City of Jenks passes an ordinance that is less restrictive than the City of Tulsa. No more than 10 patrons may be in a room or outdoor area, with at least six feet between them. Bars, breweries, wineries, gyms, spas, theaters, museums, ax throwing, vaping lounges are locations that will be subject to follow these guidelines. Childcare and healthcare facilities, grocery stores and food pantries are a few of the business that these restrictions will not apply.

March 19, 2020
4:13 p.m.
The State of Oklahoma is eligible to receive federal funding related to COVID-19. Officials say Governor Kevin Stitt filed paperwork with FEMA Thursday to move forward with the process for all 77 Oklahoma counties. The funding is available through an emergency declaration that allows the program to help with emergency services.

March 19, 2020
2:40 p.m.
Governor Kevin Stitt announced Thursday that the Oklahoma Tax Commission has approved an order that will allow "all individual and other non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of state income tax (including self-employment tax) payments due on April 15 until July 15 without penalties or interest." Officials say the deadline for filing remains April 15. “This guidance is a proactive step to reduce the financial stress many hardworking Oklahomans and businesses are feeling during this time,” said Gov. Stitt. “I thank Executive Director Jay Doyle and the Oklahoma Tax Commissioners for working together with us to quickly approve this.”

March 19, 2020
2:22 p.m.
Officials with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) announced today, as a response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, that they will "temporarily lift cost-sharing for medically necessary medical and behavioral health services delivered via telemedicine." Officials say this will apply to all members who are insured by BCBSOK. Officials say this includes telemedicine services retroactive to March 15. “First and foremost, we want to make sure our members get the care they need,” said Joseph Cunningham, M.D., plan president for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “Waiving in-network copays for telemedicine will allow our members to consult a qualified health care provider while avoiding unnecessary visits to clinics, hospitals and emergency rooms.” BCBSOK says they will continue to consider whether to extend the temporary cost-sharing change between now and April 30. Officials say, there are two ways "eligible, fully insured members can access these telemedicine benefits at no cost share." First by contacting a BCBSOK in-network provider who offers the service through two-way, live interactive telephone and/or digital video consultations, and secondly,via the Virtual Visits benefit.* Provided by BCBSOK and powered by MDLIVE, the doctor is in 24/7/365.

March 19, 2020
1:36 p.m.
Officials with Tulsa County announced the procedures for filing and granting emergency protective orders during the coronavirus pandemic. Officials say due to the reduction of Family Safety Center staff, the procedures listed below much be followed to obtain an Emergency Protective Order:

  • The victim of an assault covered by the Oklahoma Protection from Domestic Abuse Act must call their local law enforcement agency and request an officer to respond.
  • The officer will then determine whether the victim qualifies for an Emergency Protective Order under the Act; if so, the officer will assist the victim in completing the Petition. The officer will then call a judge for approval.
  • If an Emergency Protective Order is granted by the judge, the victim will be given a copy of the Petition and the Order and the officer will begin the process of having the defendant served with copies. Once served, the defendant must remain away from the victim or risk arrest.
  • The victim will be given a date to appear in approximately 30 days at the Family Safety Center at the Police Department downtown.
  • The victim must appear at the Family Safety Center on the date indicated by the Order or the Emergency Protective Order will expire.

Officlas say that if a victim has questions, they may call the Family Safety Center at 918-742-7480.

March 19, 2020
12:10 p.m.
Oral Roberts University confirms the contracted employee who tested positive for coronavirus yesterday is the Tulsa County man who passed away from COVID-19. “Our prayers go out to the family and the entire Sodexo team during this time of loss. ORU is also earnestly praying for all who are being impacted by this pandemic around the world,” ORU President William M. Wilson

March 19, 2020
11:06 a.m.
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health's website, there are currently 44 people who have tested positive for coronavirus in Oklahoma. There are currently 466 negative tests, 250 people under investigation pending test results and 4 hospitalizations, officials say. Officials say a second child has tested positive for coronavirus. The child is between the ages of zero and four-years-old, officials say. OSDH says there are five coronavirus cases in Tulsa County.

March 19, 2020
9:05 a.m.
Congressman Tom Cole announced today that he has decided to self-quarantine as a response to the new that a Republican Member of Congress has tested positive for coronavirus. He stated he will be in self-quarantine until March 27. “On Wednesday evening, I was informed by the Attending Physician of Congress that my friend Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart has tested positive for COVID-19. While I have no symptoms and feel fine, I was around him for an extended period last week. Out of an abundance of caution, I am following the doctor’s instructions to self-quarantine until March 27. “During this time, I remain fully engaged in the U.S. response to this coronavirus, and operations in my offices continue. As Congress considers the next steps for legislation to help the American people during this crisis, I encourage all Oklahomans and Americans to do their part in slowing the spread of COVID-19. For the health and safety of us all, continue taking seriously the precautions outlined by the President’s Coronavirus Task Force and the guidance of our local and state leaders and health authorities. Remain vigilant in washing your hands, disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, cover your mouth when you cough, stay home and away from others when you’re sick and avoid groups of more than 10 people. We can and will get through this together.”

March 19, 2020
8:43 a.m.
Joy Hofmeister, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction announced that the State Department of Education will pursue a federal waiver suspending the statewide student assessments for the 2019-20 school year. “Oklahomans, like all Americans, are seeking to 'flatten the curve' of a global pandemic. Our foremost concern is ensuring our students and school communities remain as safe and healthy as possible, which is why the State Board of Education voted earlier this week to cease all school operations until at least April 6, and possibly longer,” said Hofmeister. “Our educators and district leaders need to shift their focus from assessments to essential services, including child nutrition and planning to continue student learning through alternative delivery methods. Their priority cannot be with assessments that would be of questionable validity in the wake of a global pandemic. Assessments are very important tools, but they do not outweigh other considerations during this time of uncertainty.”

March 19, 2020
6:45 a.m.
Tulsa Health Department officials confirmed Thursday morning that a Tulsa County resident has died due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The person is a man in his 50s who tested positive for the virus on March 17, officials say, and passed away due to complications on March 18. “It is with great sadness that I confirm that a Tulsa County resident has passed away due to COVID-19,” said Tulsa Health Department Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart. “This is a tragedy for our community. In these unprecedented times, everyone feels the weight of this loss. COVID-19 has impacted our community on a monumental level, but today I ask you to take a moment to pause and recognize that a family has lost their loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.” Tulsa Mayor G.T.Bynum said, “We must remain vigilant to the spread of this virus and continue to take care of each other.”
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Oklahoma’s first death from COVID-19. Sarah and I send our sincere condolences and ask Oklahomans to join us in praying for his family and loved ones,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. The epidemiological investigation is ongoing. Currently Tulsa County has 4 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date, with 29 cases statewide. Three Tulsa County cases were travel-associated. The investigation to determine the source of contagion for the fourth case is ongoing.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Oklahoma’s first death from COVID-19. Sarah and I send our sincere condolences and ask Oklahomans to join us in praying for his family and loved ones,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. The epidemiological investigation is ongoing. Currently Tulsa County has 4 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date, with 29 cases statewide. Three Tulsa County cases were travel-associated. The investigation to determine the source of contagion for the fourth case is ongoing.
March 18, 2020
9:57 p.m.
The University of Oklahoma announced Wednesday it's Norman campus will remain online for the remainder of the semester.

March 18, 2020
The Oklahoma City Thunder players and staff tested negative for COVID-19, according to a statement released by officials.

March 18, 2020
3:33 pm
Osage Casinos announced it will suspend hotel and gaming operations at all seven casinos starting today at 11:59 p.m. Officials say this will include all concerts scheduled.

March 18, 2020
2:46 pm
Oklahoma State Election Board declared an election emergency Wednesday for local elections being held in 74 counties on April 7. Officials say County Election Boards will have to move the April 7 elections to another date.

March 18, 2020
2:44 pm
Oklahoma State University announced Wednesday it will continue their online classes for the rest of the semester.

March 18, 2020
2:26 pm
Governor Kevin Stitt will hold a press conference Wednesday to update the public on Oklahoma’s response to COVID-19. Gov. Stitt will be joined by State Epidemiologist Laurence Burnsed and State Department of Health officials, according to a statement released by officials. The conference will begin at 4 p.m. at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

March 18, 2020
2:18 p.m.
Woodland Hills Mall announced Wednesday it's closing tonight at 7. and officials say it will remain closed until March 29.

March 18, 2020
According to the Diocese of Tulsa, all public Masses and liturgies throughout the diocese will be temporarily suspended starting Friday, March 20 until April 8. Rev. Konderla says in a press release that after consultation with the Presbyteral council and pray, he has decided to temporarily suspend Masses and liturgies due to those that are "most vulnerable to this new coronavirus." The press releases states that priests have been instructed to celebrate Mass every day on their own. Officials say, " The faithful of the Diocese are now dispensed from their Sunday Mass obligation during this time of trial."

March 18, 2020
12:00p.m.
According to the Jenks Public Schools Facebook page, beginning on March 23, JPS will be offering free "Trojan Take-Out" meals for anyone 18 years and under.

March 18, 2020
11:08 a.m.
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health's website, the first child has tested positive for coronavirus in Oklahoma. The child is between the ages of zero and 4-years-old, according to the OSDH website. This comes after OSDH updated their test results on Wednesday which added 12 new positive coronavirus cases in Oklahoma, making the new total 29 in the state.

March 18, 2020
10:42 a.m.
Officials with Oral Roberts University say an employee of a firm that is contracted to maintain the grounds on the ORU campus has tested positive for COVID-10 (coronavirus). Officials say that the persons' work did not involved interaction with students, and he was not in the cafeteria or student housing. All machinery has been taken off-line, officials say, and thoroughly cleaned and the shop area has been closed. Officials say the people he worked with have been sent home by the contracted firm. "Our prayers are with him and his loved ones during this time," ORU officials say.

March 18, 2020
9:54 a.m.
Officials with the City of Broken Arrow announced today they have suspended the utility service cutoffs for 30 days. Officials say customers are encouraged to call 918-259-8409 to use the online payments.Also suspended are all Broken Arrow Municipal Court hearings for 30 days, officials say.

March 17, 2020
10:07 p.m.
Chief Standing Bear of Osage Nation said he issued an executive order on March 16, activating a pandemic prevention and recovery prevention protocol. The executive order restricts the travel of employees. Three Osage Nation schools have closed. Parents are able to work at home to care for their children, with special permission from the tribe. The chief said that Osage Nation has not had a confirmed case of the coronavirus yet. The chief also stated, "We plan to keep the Osage Nation open to respond to the constituents needs during this difficult time."

March 17, 2020
4:00 p.m.
Governor Kevin Stitt issued executive orders regarding precautions for COVID-19 during a press conference Tuesday at the Oklahoma State Capitol. For the first order, Gov. Stitt recommended Oklahomans to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the next 15 days. The guidelines include avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people, avoiding discretionary travel, using drive-thru, pickup and delivery options for food, not going inside assisted living centers and staying at home if you have symptoms of COVID-19. He also said officials have set up a 24/7 call center and individuals can call that number at 877-215-8336. Stitt also issued a second order suspending state regulations that "could be barriers to quickly and proactively reduce the threat of COVID-19." It would require hospitals, clinics and testing labs to report accurate data to the state health department daily, including patient capacity, equipment supplies and testing results. Stitt said the order will cut regulations on telemedicine and it will allow health care professionals in other states to get a temporary license to practice in Oklahoma. He said it will also cut restrictions on truck drivers and commercial vehicles so they can transport medical supplies and other items. Watch the full press conference here.

March 17, 2020

March 17, 2020
2:11 p.m.
Governor Kevin Stitt will hold a press conference Monday to provide an update on Oklahoma’s COVID-19 response. Gov. Stitt will be joined by State Epidemiologist Laurence Burnsed, state officials and community partners, according to a statement released by officials. The conference will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the Oklahoma State Capitol.

March 16, 2020
Business Closures Under Civil Emergency

From Mayor G.T. Bynum:
After speaking with the Tulsa Health Dept. and reviewing their guidelines, under the Civil emergency, I am issuing an order that closes bars effective immediately - beginning at midnight, the order will close gyms, movie theaters, entertainment venues (like bowling alleys, bingo halls) food courts, and restricts restaurants and coffee shops to pickup and delivery with no dine-in options.
Let me be clear, this order does not include: grocery stores, pharmacies, food pantries, daycares, crisis shelters, soup kitchens, etc.

  • This order is effective indefinitely until further guidance from the CDC.

To read the full list, click here.

March 16, 2020
11:01 a.m.
March 16, 2020
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management’s online form for businesses suffering losses due to the effects of COVID-19 is now active at damage.ok.gov [damage.ok.gov].

The form will be used to document Oklahoma business impacts related to COVID-19 in order to receive federal assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program

March 16, 2020
10:43 a.m.
March 16, 2020
The Owasso City Council is considering adopting a Declaration of Civil Emergency related to community spread of COVID-19 that would be signed into effect by Mayor Chris Kelley at the regular meeting of the Owasso City Council.

The Declaration of Civil Emergency will institute new community measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Owasso. The changes are the result of recommendations from the Tulsa County Health Department (TCHD), the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSHD) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

March 16, 2020
9:14 p.m.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation announced Monday the temporary closure of all nine Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos, including River Spirit Casino Resort, through March 31.

March 16, 2020
8:50 p.m.
All Tulsa City-County Library locations will discontinue curbside pickup beginning March 16, at 6 p.m., and remain closed for at least two weeks, according to a statement on its Facebook page. Also, the library will temporarily discontinue phone service and outside book drops will be closed, officials said. However, officials say they are extending loan periods during this time and will waive overdue fines.

March 16, 2020
8:00 p.m.
VASA is proactively closing all clubs beginning March 17 at 12pm until further notice.
Making the decision based on guidance from medical experts and state and federal officials that have put in place measures for social distancing and group activities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

March 16, 2020
7:12 p.m.
On Monday, Tulsa Transit announced station closures effective Tuesday, March 17. The inside waiting areas of Denver Avenue Station and Memorial Midtown Station will be closed until further notice, according to officials. Riders will still be able to use all outdoor bays for boarding and deboarding buses, officials said.

March 16, 2020
6:25 p.m.
Tulsa Habitat for Humanity announced that it will suspend all operations and close all facilities until Monday, March 30.

March 16, 2020
6:13 p.m.
Woodland Hills Mall announced Monday on its website that it has temporarily modified its operating hours, effective Tuesday, March 17. The hours are as follows: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

March 16, 2020
5:33 p.m.
The City of Sand Springs announced Monday its revised operations that will take place immediately regarding the spread of the coronavirus. The two of the most popular attractions impacted include the Case Community Center and the Sand Springs Herbal Affair. Officials say the Case Community Center will be closed to the public for general use, and the Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival, an annual outdoor gathering which attracts more than 25,000 visitors to downtown Sand Springs, has been canceled.

March 16, 2020
4:48 p.m.
Goodwill industries of Tulsa announced Monday it's closing all VITA centers for the next two weeks.

March 16, 2020
4:45 p.m.
Cherokee Nation announced Monday it will temporarily suspend all operations at Cherokee Nation Entertainment casinos and hotels, including Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, through March 31.

March 16, 2020
4:22 p.m.
The State Department of Education voted Monday to close all Oklahoma schools beginning March 17 until April 6.

March 16, 2020
4:07 p.m.
Tulsa Mayfest announced Monday it has been canceled for 2020. Officials say the decision was made in the best interest of public health.

March 16, 2020
3:49 p.m.
Oral Roberts University announced Monday that it will conduct online classes for the rest of the semester beginning Monday, March 23.

March 16, 2020
2:57 p.m.
Tulsa Public Schools announced Monday that all schools in its district will be closed through Friday, April 3. Students will return to classes no earlier than Monday, April 6, according to TPS officials. Beginning on Wednesday, March 18, officials say district buildings will be closed until Friday, April 3. Officials say they will provide "grab and go" meals at sites throughout the city for TPS students and the students of its partner schools. Meals will be provided on weekdays starting on Monday, March 23. Meal distribution locations will be available on the TPS website by 2 p.m. on Friday, March 20, officials said. If the closure extends beyond April 6, officials say they will support parents by providing at-home resources and activities to keep students engaged.

March 16, 2020
1:27 p.m.
Gathering Place will be temporarily closed on Monday, according to a statement on its website. Officials say the decision was made in the best interest of public health and recommendations from the CDC and The City of Tulsa. Exterior pathways and trails will remain open during regular hours.

March 16, 2020
12:55p.m.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education announced Monday that it will hold emergency State Board of Education meeting at 4 p.m. to authorize the closure of all Oklahoma schools beginning March 17 and lasting until April 6. Hofmeister said the Oklahoma State Department of Education will closely monitor the COVID-19 situation with state health experts to determine if it will be necessary to extend the closure.

March 16, 2020
11:08 a.m.
The City of Miami announced that effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, they will be taking preventive measures to follow the recommendations recently released by the CDC. City officials will be closing some city-owned facilities and limiting access to others. Click the link for more details

March 16, 2020
The City of Broken Arrow has issued an Emergency Declaration due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The proclamation is effective immediately. Events of 50 people or more in City facilities are prohibited and special events permits issued for events of 50 people or more are revoked until further notice.

MARCH 16, 2020
10:00 a.m.
The Oklahoma Aquarium is closed to the public effective March 16, 2020, as a precautionary measure for our guests and staff. The aquarium will remain closed until further notice.

9:05 a.m.
Country music superstar Alan Jackson’s March 26, 2020 concert at BOK Center in Tulsa is being postponed; the show will now take place on Thursday, June 25. Tickets for the concert will be honored at the rescheduled date on June 25

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