Supt. Hofmeister Urges Oklahomans to Mask Up Following States 1st Child Death Related To COVID-19

The first child death related to COVID-19 was reported by the State Department of Health over the weekend.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of the state’s first child impacted by COVID-19 since the pandemic arrived in Oklahoma. Our prayers are with the family and community as they mourn the loss of a young, innocent life,” said Interim Health Commissioner Lance Frye.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Joy Hofmeister, offered up her condolences as a mother of 4.

“You can’t even contemplate what that loss is like for that family and the community,” said Hofmeister. “It is tragic, and we are deeply saddened.”

With schools start dates around the corner she said she needs Oklahomans to wear their masks to help get schools open in the fall safely.

“It is going to take everyone thinking of others it is really going to help us slow the spread and halt any surging of the virus that we are seeing in communities around the state,” said Hofmeister.

She has also asked parents to discuss with their kids the importance of doing their part to help to combat the spread of the virus.

“We simply need to talk about our own personal responsibility,” said Supt. Hofmeister. “But also, it is about others. This is what the Oklahoma standard is about – meeting people in need with our whole hearts.”