TULSA, Okla. — Governor Kevin Stitt urges Oklahomans to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
In a news conference on Tuesday Stitt, Oklahoma Commissioner of Health Lance Frye, M.D. and other health care leaders urged Oklahomans to wear masks, wash their hands and watch their distance.
The Oklahoma Regional Medical Response System confirmed Monday there are no ICU beds available in the Tulsa area. Oklahoma City hospitals are at tier 3, which means 20% of their beds are full of COVID-19 cases.
At this time, officials said medical leaders are working together to come up with the most efficient ways to treat patients by creating new beds and opening buildings and floors earlier than expected to help.
Officials said they need staffing and if rising cases aren’t curbed, the state will run out of beds and staff.
“Hospitals and physicians cannot stop this pandemic. It is being spread in communities. It is up to all of us and you to stop the spread of this disease.”
Governor Stitt said the medical community asked for help is several ways:
- Reactivate RMRS: This is typically used in natural disasters and makes sure Oklahomans are put in a hospital bed as quickly as possible
- Requesting more nurses: Officials are working to clear red tape for out-of-state nurses to work in Oklahoma.
- COVID-19 tests for college students: Stitt urged all college students to get coronavirus tests before they go home for holidays.
- Increased coronavirus education - Doctors are asking for an increase in educating on slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Gov. Stitt tried to assuage fears, assuring Oklahomans: "If you or your loved one gets sick we have the capacity to take care of them."
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Watch the press conference below:
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