Declaration aside, hurdles remain to reopening By: Janice Francis-Smith The Journal Record March 12, 2021 Gov. Kevin Stitt’s latest executive order will likely have little effect on how local businesses operate. (Photo by Janice Francis-Smith) OKLAHOMA CITY – The day after declaring freedom for Oklahomans as the state lifts whatever pandemic-related restrictions had been imposed, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issued a proclamation worded with a somewhat less strident tone. Regardless, the provisions of the latest executive order would appear to have little bearing on how local commerce is being conducted. All 77 counties in Oklahoma are still under a state of emergency, keeping the state eligible for emergency federal aid to deal with the pandemic.