OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt, Commissioner of Health Gary Cox and State Senator George Young provided a coronavirus update Thursday.
Stitt announced plans for continued testing as the state prepares for the next part of phase one to roll out on Friday.
He also said a seven day supply of PPE was delivered to all hospitals across the state, including nursing homes, law enforcement agencies and many others on the front lines.
The state also looking to expand testing as numbers of positive COVID-19 cases are down in Oklahoma.
“Of all the people we’ve tested, just 5.67% are coming back with a positive test," Stitt said. “At the beginning of April we had over 10% of our tests come back positive. So, that is a great sign."
The governor also reminded Oklahoman’s during phase one to continue social distancing, to wash your hands, and to stay home if you’re sick.
Local businesses like Southwood Landscape and Garden Center in Tulsa is finding solutions to keep their doors open and follow the guidelines set by the CDC.
“We are requiring face masks for everyone to come in, both employees and customers in the store,” said Margaret Schulte, president of Southwood Landscape and Garden Center.
Schulte said they are also restricting the number of people inside.
"Once we hit that number, we’re doing one in and one out," said Schulte. "We’re also restricting, we have fewer cash registers open because the spots are generally very close to each other."
While the restrictions have loosened up some, Stitt said the elderly and vulnerable should continue to follow the safer-at-home guidelines for all of phase one and two.
The governor also announced a new public and private partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma that will expand the Caring Van program to bring coronavirus testing to underserved communities.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
