TULSA, Okla. — The following is a news release sent to 2 Works for You from the City of Tulsa. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding business closings amid COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.
What is closing?
Effective immediately, bars in Tulsa are to be closed indefinitely.
On March 17 at 11:59 p.m., all restaurants and food courts may provide carry out, drive-thru and delivery service only. Dine-in service will be prohibited indefinitely. All theatres, gyms, and recreation and entertainment facilities are to be closed indefinitely.
What is open?
You can still go shopping at grocery stores, malls, markets, convenience stores, pharmacies, drug stores, food pantries, hardware stores and retail stores. All of those stores are allowed to remain open. If any of those stores have a food court area in them, that food court should be closed. Additionally, health care facilities, such as hospitals, are open.
How can a business get curbside pick-up?
Businesses using delivery and pick-up options will be able to utilize a curbside pick-up parking space in front of their restaurant and the City will waive the fee so we can institute temporary pick-up location for restaurants. Businesses must fill out the necessary paperwork for parking approval, which can be found on the home page of the City’s website at www.cityoftulsa.org [cityoftulsa.org].
How long do businesses need to close?
Indefinitely. Businesses who are being asked to close need to remain closed until told otherwise. The decision to allow businesses to open back up is contingent upon CDC best practices and THD guidelines.
What other kinds of businesses need to close?
Sports facilities (both indoor and outdoor), skating rinks, trampoline parks, bowling alleys, indoor climbing facilities, and amusement parks. These types of businesses should close by midnight tonight.
Do liquor stores need to close?
No.
Do retail stores need to close?
No. Unless your establishment has fixed seating and other areas designed for people to congregate, you can remain open.
Are casinos being asked to close?
The City does not have jurisdiction to regulate casinos, though many local tribes have closed operations. The Muskogee Creek and Cherokee Nations have closed their operations. Osage Casino was meeting today regarding their operations. Check with the casino if you have questions.
When do movie theaters need to close?
Everyone needs to be out of your establishment by midnight. This means if you have showtimes that run past midnight, you need to cancel that showtime.
When does my business/restaurant need to close?
Everyone needs to be out of your fixed seating areas by midnight tonight. If you have multiple people at your business gathering, they need to be gone by midnight tonight.
My bar/club is a private, member only establishment. Do I need to close?
Yes.
Do performance centers need to close?
Yes.
Are museums open?
No.
Do hair salons and nail salons need to close?
No.
Can bars still serve food?
Bars with dine-in options who operate food services may offer a drive-thru, curbside pickup and take out delivery. The bar itself should not be open to the public.
Are employees who work at closed businesses still allowed to work there?
Yes. The order is meant to limit the amount of customers who congregate inside commercial establishments. Employees are allowed to stay and work. The executive order does not prohibit an employee, contractor, vendor or supplier of a place of public accommodation from entering, exiting, using or occupying that place in their professional capacity.
Can I order take-out food inside a restaurant?
Yes. Businesses who are closed can may take your order over the phone, online or in-person. The executive order only applies to those wanting to dine in. All dine-in services will not be available.
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