Oklahoma has another case of the illness caused by the coronavirus, and it is not connected to Wednesday’s canceled NBA game between the Thunder and the Jazz.
"At this time in Oklahoma, we have three cases of COVID-19. The two additional presumptive test results from the Utah Jazz players will be included in the state of Utah’s COVID-19 numbers," said State Health Commissioner Gary Cox.
Cox said fans at the game are at low risk because the disease is not airborne.
Oklahoma’s third case of COVID-19 is an active-duty airman at Altus Air Force Base who recently traveled to Seattle.
"he health and safety of our Airmen and Families is our top priority. We will continue to work with our interagency partners to ensure we do everything we can to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and ensure our Airmen have the most up-to-date information on appropriate measures to prevent the potential spread of the virus," said Col. Matthew Leard, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander.
After announcing Oklahoma’s latest case, Gov. Kevin Stitt said he is issuing an executive order for nursing homes, veteran centers and long-term care facilities to review their disease prevention policies, but schools will still be unaffected.
"It is the state’s recommendation that schools remain open. The State Department of Health is committed to providing guidance to our local school districts so they can make the best decisions for their local communities," Stitt said, noting there is still no community spread of the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.
State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister urged students and their families to be cautious during spring break and told school boards to review their policies.
Oklahoma's two other cases of COVID-19 are both in Tulsa County residents who recently returned from Italy but are not connected to each other.
The state also has four people under investigation for COVID-19 with test results pending.
