Catherine Sweeney

KOSU is continuing to cover the developing story around coronavirus in Oklahoma. Bookmark this page for the latest updates.

Oklahoma is continuing to allot its $1.2 billion in federal coronavirus relief funding, but education leaders worry that might not be enough.

Governor Kevin Stitt announced last week Oklahoma schools would get $10 million dollars in funding for personal protective equipment. That should cover two reusable masks for every student and teacher, as well as 42,000 face shields. He said cleaning supplies would not be included in this round of funding.

Congress is currently hashing out a second coronavirus relief package and President Donald Trump said that if the fight drags on, he’s considering bypassing Congress to authorize support programs through executive order.

But, during a coronavirus update on Thursday, Governor Kevin Stitt said he believes Oklahoma doesn't need one.

As the world awaits a COVID-19 vaccine, Oklahoma health officials are urging parents to remember routine vaccinations as well.

Routine vaccines can prevent a host of infections, including measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis and polio. However, amid the pandemic, local officials are seeing fewer children get those vaccines.

People who think they have recovered from COVID-19 have seen positive test results and worried that they’re infected a second time. But local medical researchers say that's unlikely, at least in the short term.

StateImpact Oklahoma, a collaboration of NPR member stations in Oklahoma, has added a new reporter to their team.

Catherine Sweeney joined StateImpact in July and will be focusing on health issues.

A native of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Catherine graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2015. She has covered local, state and federal government for outlets in Oklahoma, Colorado and Washington, D.C.

We hope you'll join us in welcoming Catherine to the StateImpact Oklahoma team.

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