OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Although the number of coronavirus cases continues to grow in Oklahoma, one organization says it is time to get back to work.
A group called ‘OK Back 2 Work’ drove from Penn Square Mall to the Oklahoma State Capitol on Wednesday, urging Governor Kevin Stitt to reopen the state before his April 30 deadline.
The group is rallying for unemployed workers and struggling businesses, urging Gov. Stitt to reopen the state before the deadline in his ‘Safer at Home Order.’
“They want to get out, have a rally but we wanted to do something that was safe too and abided by the social distancing,” Lori Gracey, the organizer of the OK Back 2 Work rally, told KFOR.
The group was planning to rally from inside their cars Wednesday. However, that turned into a gathering in the parking lot of Penn Square Mall in a group much larger than 10 people.
“The air is blowing. The sun is shining. I’m soaking up vitamin D,” Holly Engel told KFOR. “I’m not afraid. Go ahead and sneeze. Hug me, shake my hand.”
The group is urging Gov. Stitt to let them get back to work before April 30.
“The worst of this coronavirus is behind us. The people that are sick and that have compromised immune systems should continue to stay at home but for the vast majority of Oklahomans, we’re ready to go back to work and resume our lives,” Clay Iiames, who attended the rally, said.
Dr. Anthony Fauci said earlier this week that a May 1st target is a bit optimistic.
According to data from the IHME, health experts believe Oklahoma won’t hit its peak of the virus until April 30.
Governor Stitt commented on the rally during his Wednesday afternoon press conference.
“I know Oklahomans are frustrated and ready to get life back to normal. Our plan is to do it safely. The order is through April 30th. We extended the Safer at Home for the vulnerable population through May 6th,” Stitt said.
Still, the group is determined to keep pushing the issue.
“Why crater the economy when the virus is fortunately not as bad as what it was anticipated to be,” Gracey said.
