© 2024 Public Radio Tulsa
800 South Tucker Drive
Tulsa, OK 74104
(918) 631-2577

A listener-supported service of The University of Tulsa
classical 88.7 | public radio 89.5
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Oklahoma State Department of Health Reassigns State Epidemiologist

Courtesy

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has reassigned its state epidemiologist, who has largely been the agency’s public explainer of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A news release said Laurence Burnsed is being deployed to "provide epidemiological expertise to Oklahoma stakeholders."

Burnsed has been highly involved in the state's public briefings with Gov. Kevin Stitt and Health Commissioner Gary Cox, fielding questions on issues ranging from infection control to why the state has a critical shortage of testing kits.

The health department said Burnsed's reassignment is part of an effort to support public health responses and health care experts in rural areas.

"To maximize the available talent and expertise, and in consideration of the statewide nature of the health crisis, OSDH is expanding and redeploying its use of experts in the field," the news release said.

Dr. Aaron Wendelboe has been named interim state epidemiologist. He has worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an epidemic intelligence service officer.

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.