State Takes Precautions As 2nd Case of COVID-19 Comes Back Presumptive Positive

COVID-19 remains the top story in Oklahoma and across the country.

News 9 wants to emphasize state leaders said the threat is still low for us.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now testing a person that previously tested positive for the coronavirus at the state health department.

While that case is pending, businesses, airports and schools are all coming up with their own contingency plans.

“It is novel in every sense, including a matter of first impression in terms of how we handle it,” said Joseph Harroz Jr., University of Oklahoma Interim President.

Tuesday OU’s board of regents met to decide the next steps.

They also sent a letter to students, that discusses the possibility that classes could be online-only in the weeks following spring break.

However, campus would not shut down entirely for those living in the dorms.

Yet, that remains a fear if the virus continues to spread.

“My situation, it's not as bad. I live in Oklahoma City. It's not a far drive, but for someone who lives out-of-state, Texas, or even further, they are in a tougher situation,” said OU Senior Austin Hernandez.

OU has limited business-related staff travel to other states to help curb a potential outbreak.

And across the state, armed service members and their families, who are returning from high risk areas, are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days, according to Ft. Sill officials.

This comes as the Tulsa Health Department identified a second presumptive case of COVID-19 Tuesday, saying the infected female is in her 20’s.

Health officials don't believe this case is connected to the first case of a man in his 50's, who is also out of Tulsa.

We are awaiting the official confirmation of the new case from the CDC. centers for disease control.

As for OU, we hope to learn more Wednesday.

“We are working on it on a regular basis. We are working on it with public health officials, with Oklahoma State University, and other universities, with our own officials at the health sciences center, with the governor's office,” said Harroz.

Another board of regents meeting has been scheduled at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday in the Bizzell Library.