TULSA, Okla. — With the Oklahoma unemployment rate at an all time high, many Oklahomans are joining the national movement of demanding states reopen for business.
A group called OK Back 2 Work rallied in downtown Tulsa. Instead of a typical protest, people remained in their cars, circling city hall.
The echoes of honking horns symbolizing their frustration with not being able to work. Organizers like Lori Gracey say stay at home orders are causing people to lose everything.
"We wanted to send a message to our governor, to our mayors to let them know that Oklahomans are ready to get back to work," Gracye said.
Grayce said getting back to work immediately can be done in a safe manner, but putting it off can lead to a bigger issue.
"We don't want to see secondary issues occur from response to this virus where people lose their homes, loss their relationships, or loss their health from mental health issues," Grayce said.
But not everyone agrees with reopening the state or the country. Kim Currier says she personally knows three families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19.
"My best friend lost her mother in a nursing home. She couldn't even say goodbye," Currier said.
Currier says you can't put a price tag on life and those who support reopening are only concerned with one thing.
"They're putting a paycheck over someone's life," Currier said.
Two very different opinions on what should be done. The ultimate decision is up to Governor Kevin Stitt, who plans on a phase of reopening the state as early as next week.
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