The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) joined 29 other states last week in Washington, D.C. working with federal partners on the monitoring and response to COVID-19.

To date, there are two persons under investigation in Oklahoma. While testing is pending, the routine process of investigating suspected infectious disease events is to identify contacts who were at risk of exposure and implement control measures to prevent further transmission. 

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. It is also important to note that a person under investigation does not represent a case of novel coronavirus.

It is expected that the OSDH will soon have the capability to test for COVID-19 at the agency’s public health laboratory, currently the only laboratory in the state approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct testing.

Having the capability to test in state will reduce the amount of time it takes to receive test results for a person under investigation for COVID-19. Currently, all specimens in Oklahoma are being sent to the CDC headquarters in Atlanta. Local testing will allow public health officials to quickly determine a negative test result. A positive test result will be forwarded to CDC for final confirmation. 

“Having the capability to test here in the state will further enhance our response as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve,” said OSDH State Epidemiologist Laurence Burnsed. “The public health laboratory continues to serve as a valuable asset in the state’s response to disease outbreaks.”

Recently, Oklahoma’s ever-growing public health infrastructure has received a top tier rating from the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) in its level of preparedness to respond to emerging public health threats. The report based the ranking on emergency readiness measures such as public health funding, seasonal flu immunization rates, public health lab capacity, hospital preparedness and public health agency accreditation.

“The OSDH is always investing in our communities and working with our preparedness partners statewide to protect and improve the health of Oklahomans,” said Commissioner of Health Gary Cox. 

There is no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19. However, like any other respiratory illness, the public can protect themselves with frequent handwashing, avoiding contact with the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; and staying home when sick. Individuals who have recently traveled through an area affected by the outbreak are encouraged to self-report to a health care provider or to the OSDH by calling the Acute Disease Service at 405-271-4060 if they begin to experience symptoms.

 (OSDH) is advising the public of new travel advisories issued due to community spread of the virus in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Iran and Italy.

The (CDC) is recommending travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China and South Korea. Additionally, they issued an alert advising older adults and those with chronic medical conditions to consider postponing nonessential travel to Japan, Iran and Italy. The CDC also recommends all travelers reconsider cruise ship voyages to or within Asia.

OSDH State Epidemiologist Laurence Burnsed said it’s important for the public to monitor travel advisories, especially if traveling internationally.

“As public health officials, our goal is to reduce the risk of contracting the virus and returning to the United States after traveling to a destination where the virus is being spread from person-to-person,” said Burnsed. “The immediate health risk to the general American public is still low.”

At this time, there is no vaccine and no cure for the virus.

Cox said officials are actively working health care providers, medical facilities, hospitals and other relevant partners to prepare them for assessment, testing and treatment of a patient who is showing signs and symptoms after travel to an affected area.

If the United States experiences high rates of community spread, nonpharmaceutical interventions such as avoiding social interaction at school and work will be the best way to prevent spread of the virus.

These interventions have the potential to disrupt daily activities for schools, businesses and families. It is important for families and organizations to begin preparedness efforts such as considering sick leave and implementing capabilities for distance learning and telework.

As the COVID-19 situation evolves, the countries impacted are likely to change. To monitor travel advisories and other updates associated with COVID-19 visit the OSDH link to coronavirus updates.