Oklahoma City Mayor Working On Pandemic Plan For May

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said he is planning what’s next locally for pandemic precautions.

With current shelter-in-place orders expiring at the end of April, Holt is working with national, state and local experts to determine what comes next.

“We will continue to prioritize life and we will continue to rely on basic principles of science,” Holt said.

Providing that scientific perspective at Friday’s news conference was Dr. Patrick McGough, executive director of the Oklahoma City County Health Department.

McGough encouraged “cautious optimism,” with the emphasis on continued precautions until further notice.

“Now is not the time to throw caution to the wind. We cannot go back to life as what was considered normal just a few short months ago,” McGough said.

However, Holt acknowledges that recovery and a gradual reopening are in the works.

“A return to some normalcy must be gradual and thoughtful and respectful of the fact that this virus isn’t going anywhere,” Holt said.

In the meantime, Holt is preparing for the 25th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony, without the usual crowd.

Holt along with other mayors called for the creation of a new coalition in a CNN op-ed article this week.

The group would consist of regional leaders, helping to form a national recovery plan to be executed locally.

The current shelter-in-place order expires on April 30.

Mayor Holt said he hopes to release a plan for May within the next few weeks.