“We are seeing proof here in Oklahoma and across the country that our social distancing is working." – Governor Kevin Stitt
Yesterday Governor Stitt and Oklahoma health officials gave an update from the Strategic National Stockpile warehouse on what is being done to distribute PPE to protect our health care workers and first responders.
Oklahoma has 5600 hospital beds, 958 ICU beds and almost 2,000 ventilators positioned across the state.
In addition, Oklahoma has 4 million pairs of gloves, 120,000 hospital gowns, 173,000 face shields and goggles, about 900,000 masks, and 110,000 respirators. We have PPE supplies on hand for our health care workers and first responders, and there is a system in place to replenish what they need daily should Oklahoma see a larger or sudden surge in COVID cases.
The CDC has also issued guidance to health care workers about how to conserve PPE and use it safely during this global supply crunch.
Governor Stitt said one of his top goals is keeping health care workers safe and asked any health care workers that feel they are being asked to use personal protective equipment in a manner that is not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to call his office so he can contact the hospital to find out if they are receiving enough supplies or if there is some other problem.
“If you’re short on PPE or if your hospital is asking you to preserve it beyond the CDC guidelines, I need to hear about it," Stitt said.
While these numbers show Oklahoma is in good shape today with PPE, Governor Stitt reiterated that we are still preparing for a surge on hospital capacity.
“I know how badly many of us want to be able to start to get our lives back to normal. What we do together over the next 3 weeks will significantly impact what we can do after April 30.” – Governor Stitt
- Oklahomans must take seriously the guidance of CDC and the orders by the State and local officials.
- Do not gather with people outside of your family members.
- Stay home. Stay 6 feet apart from others.
- Wash your hands.
- Businesses – move your workforce to teleworking asap.
- The latest CDC guidelines advise people to wear masks when out in public. This is not a substitute for staying 6-feet apart, but Oklahomans and businesses are encouraged to review the CDC’s latest guidance and to continue to be proactive in stopping the spread of COVID in Oklahoma.
As the Governor said yesterday, we will get through this together. Stay strong -- and continue to work with us through the end of April.
This is a critical time in our fight to slow the spread of COVID-19, protect our public health and get our life back to normal as soon as we can.
For the most up to date information and updates 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.
--Team Stitt
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