Norman playgrounds, dog parks among latest openings

Playgrounds, basketball courts, dog parks, and skate parks in Norman opened to the public Friday under Mayor Breea Clark's Healthier at Home plan to reopen businesses and public facilities.

Under Phase 1B of Clark's plan, organized youth sports can also begin practicing and retail can increase their capacity to 50% of their occupancy capacity.

Norman continues to see a downward trend in the number of new cases of COVID-19, the hospital is reporting adequate capacity and the availability of test kits meets the standards to keep moving forward, according to a city news release.

"Our continued downward trend in the number of new cases is something to be proud of," Clark said said in the release. "It shows our hard work in slowing the spread is working.

"We will still see new cases pop up in our community, which is expected until we get a vaccine. This means we need to remain vigilant about continuing to wash our hands, sanitize hard surfaces, practice safe physical distancing and continue to wear facial coverings."

The first phase of Clark's plan went into effect May 1. Phase 2 is scheduled to go into effect on May 29. For more information on the Healthier at Home plan, visit www.coronavirus. normanok.gov.

Health Care Authority suspends Insure Oklahoma premiums

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority announced Friday that it has suspended premiums for Insure Oklahoma Individual Plan participants in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premiums will be suspended for at least April, May and June 2020, according to a news release.

"We know many ar e experiencing difficult times due to the economic effects of COVID-19, and we are committed to protecting health care coverage for our members," said Kevin Corbett, authority CEO.

Oklahoma has the authority to waive premiums for individual plan populations in the event of financial hardship, such as the current COVID-19 public health emergency, according to the release.

Insure Oklahoma, one of two health programs the Health Care Authority administers for the state, assists qualifying adults and small business employees in obtaining health care coverage for themselves and their families.

Members do not need to take any action at this time and coverage will not be interrupted. Members should look for communication in their online accounts in the coming days for additional details.

Insure Oklahoma members may call 888-365-3742 with questions. To learn more about how OHCA is responding to COVID19, visit www.okhca.org/ COVID19.

Grand Casino Hotel and Resort set to reopen

Grand Casino Hotel and Resort in Shawnee will reopen to the public on May 22 with reduced hours and capacity to maintain social distancing, Citizen Potawatomi Nation officials announced Friday.

All visitors will be required to wear face masks, wash their hands and use hand sanitizer. Free face masks will be provided. Guests will be required to maintain social distance and stay at least six feet from people not in their party.

The casino and hotel will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, according to a news release. All patrons and staff will complete a screening process before being allowed inside the casino, including a temperature check.

"AsCPN businesses cautiously reopen, we will continue to be vigilant and do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19," Dr. George A. Vascellaro, the tribe's chief medical officer,