What is considered an essential business?

Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers

March 25, 2020 at 4:35 pm CDT

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — On Tuesday, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered the closure of non-essential businesses in the 19 counties currently with positive cases of COVID-19.

The number of counties is sure to rise in the days ahead.

THE LATEST: Coronavirus Pandemic News

Stitt provided information from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security outlining what industries are considered essential.

GUIDANCE ON THE ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKFORCE

Communications
Chemical
Commercial Facilities
Critical Manufacturing
Dams
Defense Industrial Base
Emergency Services
Energy
Finanical
Food and Agriculture
Government Facilities
Healthcare and Public Health
Information Technology
Nuclear Reactors, Materials and Waste
Transportation Systems
Water

Stitt amended the list to also include medical marijuana dispensaries, faith-based services utilizing streaming technology and more. Read his updated list here.

He also tweeted a link for Oklahoma businesses to apply to be considered an essential business if they aren’t already.

‼️ We understand that many of our industries play an important role in serving Oklahomans as we respond to #COVID19. We have launched a new form for Oklahoma businesses to apply to be considered an essential business. To fill out a form, visit: https://t.co/UAKoGfeizU ‼️ pic.twitter.com/fi6acQbdkE
— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) March 25, 2020