In a Wednesday press conference meant to tout Oklahoma’s dispersal of federal COVID-19 relief funds, Governor Kevin Stitt ended up answering questions about President Donald Trump’s Saturday rally in Tulsa and a recent uptick in coronavirus cases.
Despite the risks, the campaign rally and the state’s reopening are slated to continue as scheduled.
State Health Department interim commissioner Lance Frye declined to say if the rally was a good idea. But he said if there is an uptick in cases, Oklahoma will be ready to respond.
Stitt said that those who are concerned about the rally in Tulsa should simply stay away.
"We’re a free society. And you’re free to stay home. And I want people to protect their family," Stitt said. "If they don’t want to go to the rally, they shouldn’t."
The rally is occurring despite five straight days of triple-digit increases in cases of the coronavirus. Stitt said more than half of the recent rise in cases can be attributed to people under 35, who are less likely to be hospitalized or die because of the virus.
Frye said there is no plan to slow the reopening process and an uptick was expected as the state instituted its reopening plan.
Stitt also said that he will be traveling to The White House to meet with Trump before Saturday's rally and will be tested for COVID-19 before making the trip. Stitt will introduce the President at the rally, but said he's unsure if he'll wear a mask.
Stitt also said a plan to move the rally to an outdoor venue has been abandoned and he's asking Trump to no longer visit the Greenwood District because Secret Service security protocols would disrupt planned Juneteenth celebrations.
During the press conference, Stitt announced more than 60 cities and counties have requested $7.5 million in reimbursement funds for operating expenses related to COVID-19.
Stitt said the state has already fulfilled 30 percent of those requests. Thosee 21 cities and counties have received a combined total of $2.1 million for personal protective equipment, payroll expenses, telework capability improvements, public safety measures, disinfection of public areas, maintaining prisons and jails, and more.
"Help is on the way to Oklahoma’s cities and counties whose services have been impacted by the presence of COVID-19," Stitt said. "[The funds have] made government more agile for adapting its workforce and services, to include purchasing critical personal protective equipment and enhancing sanitation of public areas or communal facilities."
Oklahoma will again take reimbursement requests from July 1 to July 10. Stitt said he expects requests to at least double in July. Cities and counties can register with the state to submit a request here.
