Oklahoma coronavirus update: One new positive case, schools to stay open
Gov. Kevin Stitt and state officials held a news conference Thursday afternoon to update the status of coronavirus in Oklahoma.
Stitt said there are three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the pandemic coronavirus.
Two of the positive cases are in Tulsa County and have been previously reported. The third case is “new,” but officials at the news conference wouldn’t say where that person lives.
Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma tweeted that one of its airmen tested presumptive positive for coronavirus.
Stitt said it’s his “top priority” to minimize risk to vulnerable populations, including those at nursing homes.
The governor said he and other officials plan to keep schools open, and they’re evaluating the situation on a daily basis.
Joy Hofmeister, the state superintendent of public instruction, urged students and their families who are about to embark on spring break to “be cautious” concerning travel, attending large gatherings and practicing healthy habits, like washing hands.
Stitt said they won’t plan to shut down schools unless there’s a risk of community spread. He said that's not a danger at this time.
Oklahoma Commissioner of Health Gary Cox also discussed the Thunder game postponement that took place the night before, with two players on the visiting team testing positive for COVID-19.
Cox said fans at the game were not at risk.
