In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and in order to protect our citizens and employees, the City of Harrah will recommend, suspend or alter the following programs and or services for the next 30 days:
· All City owned public buildings are now closed to the public, except for the lobby of the Police Department. Utility bills, permit applications, etc. may be made through either the drive up window, the drop box, or by mailing payments to City Hall.
· The April City Council meeting has been cancelled.
· The City of Harrah recommends that no large groups or gatherings be organized in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov.
· The City of Harrah is recommending that all local businesses limit the number of customers within the business, depending on size, business type, etc., sufficient to allow a distance of at least six (6) feet between customers. It is further recommended that any business that is unable to accommodate a distance of six (6) feet between customers be temporarily closed.
· The City of Harrah is recommending that all dining/drinking establishments limit the services provided to delivery and/or carry out only. However, if any dining/drinking establishment chooses to remain open, it is recommended that patrons be seated at every other table (at least six (6) feet apart, with up to six individuals seated at each individual table.
· Municipal/Traffic Court – The City is suspending municipal/traffic court for the next 30 days. However, the City is looking at the possibility of holding court over the phone or through teleconference.
· Senior Center – The Senior Center is closed. However, they are still delivering meals.
· Library – The Harrah Library is currently closed through at least March 29th. All late library fees will be suspended until the Library reopens.
· To our citizens that may be at higher risk due to age or a serious long-term health problem, it is important for you to take actions to reduce your exposure. Per CDC guidelines, we recommend the following:
o Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and other.
o When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
o Avoid crowds as much as possible.
o Stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
o Contact your healthcare provider about obtaining extra necessary medications.
This statement is in no way meant to create panic amongst our citizens or employees. These actions are based on clear guidance from public health experts and are a proactive step towards protecting the health of our community as a whole. We will reevaluate and notify the public of any changes at the end of 30 days.
We appreciate your patience and understanding. We are a tight knit community with a history of coming together during difficult times – this situation will pass and we are confident that Harrah and the great state of Oklahoma will come out stronger on the other side. Residents are encouraged to visit the OKC County Health Department’s website at occhd.org for the latest COVID-19 updates or to call their hotline at 877-215-8336 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. The hotline has Spanish interpretation available.