On Sunday, Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order declaring an emergency in all Oklahoma counties to provide public health officials, health care providers, state agencies and small businesses support as a result of the national spread of COVID-19.

As Governor Stitt said, “This emergency declaration allows us to continue to be proactive in our response to the spread of COVID-19.”

Oklahoma has confirmed ten positive cases.

Governor Stitt’s emergency declaration will allow state agencies to make necessary emergency purchases or hires and allow small businesses to apply for low-interest federal loans. It also temporarily lifts certain restrictions on hospitals and other health care providers in order to ensure they can treat patients effectively.

To read the full declaration of emergency, click here.

To watch Governor Stitt’s announcement, click here.

As a reminder, the Oklahoma State Department of Health recommends that those who travel should take the following preventive steps:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

For accurate information and updates as this evolves, please visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health website at coronavirus.health.ok.gov. For questions, please call the OSDH Coronavirus Call Center at 1-877-215-8336.