Statement from Senate Democratic Leader on governor’s announcement of plans to reopen Oklahoma businesses

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Stitt’s announcement on Wednesday of plans to reopen Oklahoma businesses:

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt many of Oklahoma’s small businesses and their employees. We agree preparations must be made to safely reopen these businesses and put Oklahomans back to work but this must be done based on sound data and recommendations from public health experts.

“Oklahoma Senate Democrats have major concerns with Governor Stitt’s plan to begin phasing out some COVID-19 business restrictions. Acting prematurely, before we have adequate testing and contact tracing in place and before Oklahoma is in compliance with Centers for Disease Control guidelines on reopening, places public safety at risk. We must proceed carefully with a balanced approach.”