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Stitt Declares State of Emergency as Oklahoma Hits Eight Cases of COVID-19

Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency Sunday after three more positive tests for COVID-19 were reported over the weekend.

"On March 6, we had our first confirmed case. We now have eight positive cases in Oklahoma," Stitt said.

A private laboratory authorized by the state to test for COVID-19 reported Oklahoma’s eighth positive test result on Sunday. Cases have now been identified in Cleveland, Jackson, Kay, Oklahoma, Payne and Tulsa counties.

Tulsa County leads the state with three cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.

The emergency declaration applies to all 77 counties and, in addition to typical provisions like letting state agencies make quick hires and purchases, directs agencies to come up with remote work policies.

It also means small businesses can apply for low-interest federal loans.

Oklahoma is one of the last states to declare a state of emergency because of COVID-19.

While Stitt is encouraging Oklahomans to follow precautions like washing their hands frequently and staying home if ill, he is not recommending actions taken in other states like closing schools or shutting down bars.

"Life as we know it will change for a little while, but it doesn’t have to shut down completely. Continue to find ways to support your local businesses. Pay attention to how you’re feeling and make wise choices based on your risk," Stitt said.

Stitt drew national criticism this weekend after tweeting a photo of himself and two of his sons out to dinner at a busy Oklahoma City restaurant.

Matt Trotter joined KWGS as a reporter in 2013. Before coming to Public Radio Tulsa, he was the investigative producer at KJRH. His freelance work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and on MSNBC and CNN.
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