Oklahomans look for the return to normal after the coronavirus

There are indications that life could start to return to normal soon in Oklahoma.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Kevin Stitt has extended the Safer at Home order only through May 6 for those over the age of 65 and vulnerable individuals with serious underlying medical conditions.

“Our curve is flattening, and we are making great progress, but now is not the time to take our foot off the gas,” said Stitt. “What we do over the next two weeks will significantly impact what we can do after April 30, and we need to continue to practice physical distancing, washing our hands frequently and limiting trips to the grocery store and pharmacy.”

Stitt said all elective surgeries are able resume starting April 24. “We suspended elective surgeries to protect hospital beds in case of a surge and protect PPE for our health care workers who are working hard to treat COVID patients,” said Stitt. “Our hospitals have been great partners with us, but many of them are struggling because our numbers are so low. Because we feel good about our hospital numbers and our PPE, I am announcing today that elective surgeries can resume in nine days on April 24.”

The governor said the model that projects Oklahoma’s peak hospital demand will occur on April 30 with estimates that the state will require 882 hospital beds, 218 ICU beds and 192 ventilators. Oklahoma hospitals currently have 5,887 total beds, 991 ICU beds and 1,111 total ventilators available for COVID-19 patients.

Additionally, the governor discussed the State’s intention to work with the Department of Health in order to develop a plan to safely and responsibly allow businesses across the state to re-open while also continuing to prioritize the health and safety of Oklahomans.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel, and we will get through this together. For just a little while longer – stay home, stay safe and stay strong,” said Stitt.

Back to work?

“We as the Legislature, and I as chairman of Public Health in the State House of Representatives, urged people to take precautions to protect themselves, their loved ones and the public as a whole,” said State Rep. Sean Roberts. “God has heard our prayers. I want to congratulate Governor Stitt and President Trump in flattening the curve and saving countless lives while not infringing on Americans’ constitutional rights. While in this time of national disaster, President Trump stood vigilant for the constitutional rights of the American people. Governor Stitt stood beside him. As the Public Health Chairman, I am very thankful and humbled that Oklahomans rallied together and decided to heed these warnings to flatten the curve of infections.”