BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Shortly after Governor Kevin Stitt gave the green light for phase one of reopening the state, which includes barbershops and hair salons, Melody Barnes was able to return to work.
Barnes, a hairdresser in Broken Arrow has been without income for nearly a month. Like thousands of other Oklahomans, Barnes filed for unemployment but never received it.
She says bills were mounting and jumped at the opportunity to return to work, outweigh her physical health for her financial stability.
"For my sanity and my pocketbook," Barnes said.
In just two days back at work, she made nearly $500, which she says can go towards her phone bill which was nearly past due.
Ryan Hamchou, the owner of 50's Diner in Broken Arrow, is able to reopen his doors Friday. Hamchou says his motivation to open despite concerns of new cases is not based on money.
Hamchou said, "Most of our community, they've been really supportive when we closed our dine in. We feel like we owe it to them to open."
Both businesses have made several changes. Barnes' salon is checking everyone's temperature and requiring clients to wear mask.
While Hamchoe is limiting the number of open tables to allow for social distancing inside. He also says if the diner is full, people will be asked to wait in the car until their table is ready.
The mayor of Broken Arrow, Craig Thurmond says he decided to reopen despite some concerns from citizens, because there is no stopping a spike in an expected spike in cases.
"Every mayor knows his city is going to have a surge when they reopen," Thurmond said. "Rather we do it April 30 or we do it June 30, we're going to have a surge."
Thurmond also said before moving into phase three, which includes hospitals and nursing homes, he will review new coronavirus cases to determine if those should open.
Mayor G.T. Bynum is expected to introduce his plans for reopening Tulsa businesses on April 29 during a noon press conference.
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