The Oklahoma Restaurant Association is urging Oklahomans across the state to keep calm and carry out their meals from local establishments.

“We encourage people to continue supporting their favorite restaurants. There are over 184,700 food service jobs in Oklahoma. How many do you think are affected by this? We must remain calm and continue supporting our cities and state,” said Jim Hopper, president of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association.

The Oklahoma Restaurant Association is in discussion with the Oklahoma Employment Securities Commission on a variety of issues, including a waiver of the increase an employer receives in their unemployment insurance payments when a laid off employee files for benefits.

The vast majority of people who contract COVID-19 recover within weeks. It causes only mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but it can lead to more severe illness, including pneumonia, especially older adults and people with preexisting health problems.

Meanwhile, bars, restaurants and other business in the state’s largest cities, including Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman and Stillwater, are being ordered closed by local officials in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The City of Stillwater made the announcement on Tuesday that all bars, restaurants and fitness facilities would be closed until further notice.

Ponca City Mayor Homer Nicholson said he would not do the same in Ponca City. “We are not going to do that at this time,” he said. “My belief is that Stillwater did this due to the fact that they are a college city with thousands of students that frequent restaurants and bars.”

“I continue to urge the public to be cautious, wash your hands, keep your distance and our plan in Ponca City is to maintain business as usual and try to maintain a comfort level so that no pandemonium happens.”

“We will not do what the City of Stillwater has done unless there is a reason to do so here in Kay County.”