As COVID-19 hospitalizations continue their downward trend, Governor Kevin Stitt says Oklahoma will begin its phased reopening plan on Friday, as scheduled. But that doesn’t mean Oklahoma can declare victory over coronavirus.
Stitt says Friday’s re-opening of certain businesses in the state doesn’t mark the end of its battle with COVID-19.
"We still have coronavirus in the United States. It’s still in Oklahoma," Stitt said. "So we have to continue to be cautious. We need to continue with social distancing, washing your hands, staying home if you’re sick."
Life won’t go back to normal on Friday when restaurants and other establishments are allowed to open their doors.
Instead, state leaders stressed they will continue ramping up testing for coronavirus. Now, anyone whether they have symptoms or not can be tested. People can call 2-1-1, the state’s coronavirus hotline to set that up.
Oklahoma nursing home residents and staff will also all be tested using a saliva test over the next thirty days.
Stitt says cases will continue, and coronavirus will be a part of life both here and across the country for a long time. But, he says, it is time to start relaxing restrictions.
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