News

No surgical abortions in Oklahoma

April 2, 2020

Stitt has clarified his amended executive order about postponing elective surgeries which are not defined as a “medical emergency” under state law. That means no elective abortions unless “to prevent serious health risks to the unborn child’s mother.” That order lasts through April 7. The order includes routine dermatological, ophthalmological, and dental procedures, as well…

No out-of-state travel for state workers

April 2, 2020

Stitt has issued an order to place a moratorium on all out-of-state travel paid for by the State of Oklahoma and temporarily relaxes peace officer and CLEET certification requirements. This moratorium is on all out-of-state travel for employees and officers of agencies that is paid for, in whole or in part, by the State of…

10,000 testing kits to Oklahoma

April 2, 2020

On March 26, COVID-19 testing supplies arrived in Oklahoma that will allow for 10,000 individuals to be tested in the coming weeks. The state also brought online 2 more labs, partnering with OSU and OU, which will allow the state to process up to 2,800 test results a day. Contrary to a media report, Oklahoma…

Beefing up intensive care units

April 2, 2020

The Stitt administration and Oklahoma hospitals are working on a plan to increase ICU capacities by 40%. Last Friday the Governor requested FEMA to begin a survey for additional locations where the state could expand hospital locations for treating COVID-19 patients. The State has expanded its public-private partnership with labs with new partnerships with Regional…

429 cases in Oklahoma

April 2, 2020

As of March 30, there were 481 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Oklahoma with 17 deaths. New counties with confirmed cases include Beckham, Cotton, Love, Garfield, Rogers, Seminole and Texas counties. The state launched a website to coordinate corporate PPE donations across the state to get critical protective equipment to health care professionals: ppedonation.ok.gov Tulsa…

Legislature still not meeting

April 2, 2020

The Oklahoma Legislature did not meet again this week in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. The House and Senate stopped work and left the Capitol building after setting rules to allow them to adjourn to the “call of the chair” instead of a specific date. The only constitutionally mandated duty the Legislature must perform before…

School election postponed

April 2, 2020

Tulsa Public Schools became the first district to approve postponing the April 7 school board election until the danger of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. The election for two board members has been moved to June 30, the same day as the state primary election. The State Election Board Secretary made an election emergency declaration…

Lawmakers have coronavirus

April 2, 2020

State Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, on March 24 said he is recovering and doing well after testing positive for the coronavirus. Rosino was not at the Senate a week before that and he was not among the senators or Senate personnel who were tested on March 17. A Senate staffer has tested positive for…

Tulsa suburbs add restrictions

April 2, 2020

Broken Arrow has banned most in-person dining and the closure of bars, gyms and theaters. Broken Arrow restaurants are still permitted to provide curbside, drive-thru and take-out service. Most Tulsa suburbs had done the same.

State gouging law takes effect

April 2, 2020

Attorney General Mike Hunter said the state’s price gouging statute is in effect statewide. The Emergency Price Stabilization Act prohibits an increase of more than 10% for the price of goods or services after a declared emergency. The statute automatically triggers after the issuance of a state or federal emergency declaration. Hunter said the state…