In an audio statement released Sunday night, Governor Kevin Stitt announced he was amending an executive order that requires anyone entering the state from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana and Washington to self-quarantine for 14 days to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Stitt said this updated executive order was to limit transmission from known hotspots in the country in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.
In addition, the governor said he has added to the executive order a requirement for all delivery personnel to submit to screening if requested at hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and childcare centers. Stitt said the screening could include a temperature check and a questionairre to determine the person's exposure to the Coronavirus.
Another executive order was issued that prevents discrimination against healthcare workers and their children that could include exclusion from housing or childcare services.
Stitt said state health officials and researchers from Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma continue to work on modeling for how the virus may affect Oklahoma and its healthcare capacity and a timeline for when the virus may peak in the state.
Stitt said he has authorized FEMA to start the process of working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to look at 10 sites across Oklahoma that could be converted into alternative care facilities or hospitals should surge capacity be needed.
In addition, Stitt said he has been working with the Oklahoma Hospital Association to ensure each of the state's hospitals has a plan in place to increase the number of ICU beds available by at least 40 percent.
Regulations have also been suspended for some reserve law enforcement officers and officers who are in training so they could serve if the virus causes shortages because of quarantines or illness.
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