Gov. Stitt Announces New Developments In COVID-19 CARES Act Fund

Governor Kevin Stitt announced new developments in the $1.2 billion CARES Act fund.

Stitt said there is now a platform to quickly and effectively pay cities and counties back for COVID-19 expenses.

“Our state is committed to helping all of our local government to help navigate and reimburse them for COVID-19 expenses,” Stitt said.

Several mayors and county commissioners described registering as a smooth and easy process.

Thirty percent of cities and counties in the state have already been approved to get reimbursed.

Stitt said 67 cities and counties have requested reimbursement, totaling $7.5 million so far.

McAlester received $1.25 million in reimbursement money, $160,000 went to Comanche County and $110,000 went to Lawton.

Oklahoma is officially 55 days into its reopening plan.

Stitt described the state as well-prepared and fully-stocked in both PPE and hospital beds, but that residents need to remain vigilant. More than half of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the last two weeks have been under the age of 35.

Stitt said all other cities and counties who need still need to get reimbursed for COVID-19 spending. Cities and counties are asked to register here by July 1.