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First Case of Coronavirus Confirmed in Tulsa County

Posted at 4:09 PM, Mar 06, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-07 00:17:07-05

TULSA, Okla. — The first case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Oklahoma, according to Oklahoma's Governor Kevin Stitt, and state and local health leaders.

During a press conference on Friday, March 6, officials announced the first confirmed case was in Tulsa County.

Related Story: Governor, State and Local Public Health Officials to Provide 'Important' Coronavirus Update at 4 p.m.

The individual, a man in his 50s, recently traveled to Italy, officials said. The man arrived in Tulsa on Feb. 23 and became sick on Feb. 29.

There is no evidence of community spread and the risk to the public is low, officials said.

As of Friday morning, there were still two people under investigation pending results on the coronavirus, COVID-19, according to Oklahoma State Department of Health's website.

Until now, five cases have tested negative, officials say, with four people under investigation for coronavirus with pending tests.

Officials say they are working with partners across the state and Tulsa Health Department, and others, to make sure they are monitoring travelers.

As of Friday morning, officials say they have opened the state laboratory and testing as the need arises.

With spring break approaching, officials encourage travelers to be aware of destinations.

Tulsa Health Department has established a call center that Tulsans can call at 918-582-9355. The center is open through 7 p.m.

The coronavirus outbreak globally has now killed more than 3,400 people.

Officials say symptoms of the COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Health officials are advising any travelers returning from China to get screened.

Click here for the Oklahoma State Department of Health's coronavirus website.

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