Retail businesses across El Reno were ready to switch their closed signs to open Friday morning as Mayor Matt White let his COVID-19 State of Emergency Proclamation end without a second extension.

White went against Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s order to allow some businesses to start reopening April 24, opting to wait a week to make sure the city had all measures in place.

“It’s been a hectic week but I know the people of El Reno are ready. We just can’t do things like we did before because this thing (virus) is not over. We have to keep taking it serious, this is not spring break.

“I know people need to get out but we have to do it with precautions,” said White.

El Reno has been under an emergency proclamation since March 16 with one extension early last month that extended the order until April 30.

“We are going to follow the state. Our guidelines are the state’s and that is what we are going to follow,” said White.

There are a few exceptions that are specific to El Reno, said White, such as El Reno Bowl that will reopen on May 15 — the same day that bars across the state will be allowed to reopen under Stitt’s plan.

“The bowling alley needed to have some extra time to get everything sanitized in order to get opened back up,” said White.

Playground equipment at city-owned parks will remain closed until May 15. Moving forward, the city will sanitize the equipment according to state regulations.

“We will be spraying the equipment down on a regular basis on a rotation deal. We will do the best we can but we are asking parents to wipe their hands down and to take wipes to use for their kids hands as well,” said White.

White said using playground equipment as well as spending time at Lake El Reno or golfing at Crimson Creek Golf Course will be “at your own risk,” though federally-mandated social distancing measures will be required.

“This is all at your own risk and if you don’t feel comfortable going to these places, then don’t go,” said White.

Restaurants were allowed to reopen dining rooms on Friday, but will have to follow state guidelines for social distancing, capacity counts and sanitizing measures.

Personal care businesses for hair and nails opened Friday with guidelines for cleaning, appointments, masks and social distancing.

“We have always been by appointment but we won’t be able to do as many haircuts as before because we will be sanitizing after each appointment,” said Royal Razor owner Joe Howarton.

White said youth baseball can start practicing May 1 but games at the Ashbrook Complex cannot start until May 15. Teams should practice social distancing during practices as well as when games begin.

White said he is encouraging residents to continue to use masks in public.

He said the city will not actively patrol local businesses to make sure policies are being followed.

“We are not going to get into policing it. At some point society has to start policing itself. We are asking people to do the right thing and to take precautions,” said White.

Any further emergency orders for the city will depend on the numbers from continued testing for COVID-19.

“The bottom line, this is a fluid situation and we want to be cautious. We are in contact with other mayors and with the governor and we will keep a watch on any other changes,” said White.

The exact plan for opening the city and state can be found inside this issue of the Tribune on Pages 5-8A.