Gov. Stitt, State Health Leaders Urge Precautions Ahead Of 1st COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

Gov. Kevin Stitt and state health leaders provided a COVID-19 update Thursday and detailed plans for restrictions.

Stitt said even though the number of COVID cases have stabilized, there’s still more to be done to help slow the spread of the virus.

Stitt plans to issue an executive order to implement more state restrictions including limiting attendance of public gatherings, excluding churches, and limiting attendance of in-door youth sporting events to 50% capacity.

The governor also extended the restriction for bars and restaurants to close at 11 p.m. for another 30 days. 

Interim state Health Commissioner Lance Frye reminded Oklahomans of the CDC’s reduced quarantine guidelines. He also provided guidance on how to spend the holidays safely. Frye suggested virtual gatherings and receiving a COVID-19 test before traveling.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) also announced the FEMA Lost Wages Assistance Fund. It will provide a one-time $400 payment to offer unemployment aid to approximately 120,000 Oklahomans. The payments will be distributed from Dec. 16 to 21.

According to Stitt, more than 160,000 doses of the COVID vaccine are expected to arrive in Oklahoma by next week.