President Donald Trump approved Gov. Kevin Stitt’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration covering all 77 Oklahoma counties.

The declaration authorizes FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which provides federal funding for emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance for state and local governments as they continue to respond to the COVID-19 emergency.

It includes other programs under review by the White House.  Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is working with FEMA to help local jurisdictions document their eligible costs for reimbursement.

Stitt  has ordered a health emergency in all 77 Oklahoma counties for April.

Under Oklahoma law, the governor is granted broader powers during a health emergency  to waive statutory or regulatory requirements as well as the ability to coordinate a statewide response among city and county health departments. Stitt has designated Oklahoma State Commissioner of Health Gary Cox as the primary public health authority.

“Now is the time to align all public health entities in the state as we work together to prepare for a surge in demand on our hospitals,” said Stitt.

This gives Stitt the authority to allow health care professionals who have left the workforce to quickly rejoin the front lines against COVID-19 and protect first responders by helping them manage their personal protective equipment (PPE). By loosening some restrictions, first responders will be able to know if the home they are dispatched to has a resident who has tested positive for COVID-19. Patient names and other identifying information will still be restricted.

“It is so important that our first responders can protect themselves if they are entering a home with a COVID-19 patient,” said Stitt.

Stitt called a special session of the Legislature on Monday to approve the health emergency.