Oklahoma surpasses 10,000 cases of COVID-19, Sand Springs with 14 active cases

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The number of cumulative COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 10,733 with 7,648 recoveries and 369 deaths, leaving 2,716 active cases statewide. In Sand Springs there have been 58 total cases with 42 recoveries and two deaths, leaving fourteen active cases. Tulsa County has totaled 2,392 cases with 876 currently active.

Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is urging Oklahomans who have chosen to attend large-scale gatherings in recent weeks to seek out testing for COVID-19, even if symptoms are not present.

As previously announced, OSDH encourages Oklahomans to seek COVID-19 testing both prior to attending large-scale gatherings and in the days following, and to wear a mask when physical distancing is a challenge. With active COVID-19 cases on the rise, OSDH is well positioned to support and partner with local government leaders and communities with free testing, resources, and local public health guidance.

“As expected, Oklahoma’s urban areas as well as a few communities around the state are experiencing a rise in active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to increased social activity and mobility. We continue to have more than 80 free testing locations across the state, and we need Oklahomans to get tested, even those without symptoms, so we can identify active cases and work together to minimize community spread,” said Interim Commissioner Lance Frye, MD. “The Stitt administration and the Legislature prioritized COVID-19 data transparency with our nationally-recognized online dashboard. These daily updates protect individuals’ personal information while equipping local leaders with the best data to make adjustments to local public health guidance if needed. Our agency is well resourced to pro-actively partner with and provide guidance to those changes.”

The OSDH continues to make COVID-19 data transparent and publicly available, pointing to evidence-based guidance that allows local leaders, business owners, communities and individuals to make adjustments, and frequently reassess protocols, based on the active presence of COVID-19 locally. OSDH is committed to partnering with stakeholders on crafting recommendations for populations to take proactive measures to keep themselves safe and minimize spread.

Governor Kevin Stitt first charged the agency with a mission to build its nationally recognized data dashboard, launched within a month of COVID-19 arriving in Oklahoma. At the expiration of the Catastrophic Emergency Declaration, Attorney General Mike Hunter determined the Legislature had made appropriate adjustments in State law to allow a substantial portion of the data reporting to continue.

“OSDH has also deployed strike teams across 11 regions in the State to support communities when a COVID-19 hot spot has been identified,” said Commissioner Frye. “These strike teams are comprised of public health professionals, testing experts, and epidemiologists who partner with local stakeholders to increase testing capacity and provide additional infrastructure support and guidance to minimize spread.”

While the rise in cases certainly calls for increased vigilance, the State’s emergency protective supplies, and testing capacity remain strong. OSDH’s surge plan remains in place, and daily monitoring and communication continue should a need be identified to activate additional resources.

As to contact tracing, OSDH has hired over 700 full and part-time contact tracers since March 2020 to support these efforts. Additional contact tracers are being hired and trained to expand efforts.

“Personal responsibility remains key in protecting yourself and our local communities from COVID-19. We continue to encourage Oklahomans to consider wearing a mask, to routinely wash hands, and to use physical distancing measures, which are recommendations set forth by the CDC,” says Commissioner Frye, “As a society, we face a delicate balance of creating a new normal that takes into account public health, mental health, and economic risks. It will take all of us working together, as one State, to overcome the many challenges COVID-19 presents until there is a widely available vaccine.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 2,275,645 cases nationwide with 119,923 deaths. There have been 27,616 new cases and 308 deaths in the past 24 hours. Oklahoma is 37th in total cases (41st per capita) and 34th in deaths (35th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 8,860,331 cases worldwide with 465,740 deaths. There have been 183,020 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, the highest number of daily new cases since the pandemic began. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 1,067,579, Russia with 592,280, and India with 425,282.

Oklahoma reaches 1,098 active cases of COVID-19; Sand Springs with 2 active cases

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As of Friday’s media advisory from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), there are now 7,848 cumulative cases of COVID-19 in the state. 359 Oklahomans have died and 6,391 have recovered, leaving 1,098 active cases. 1,103 Oklahomans have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 154 are currently hospitalized.

In Sand Springs there have been 43 total cases with 2 deaths and 39 recoveries. Tulsa County has recorded 1,443 total cases with 1,008 recoveries and 62 deaths.

The OSDH has processed 238,366 negative tests so far. A complete list of testing sites can be found at this link.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 2,016,027 cases nationwide with 113,914 deaths. There have been 21,744 new cases and 947 deaths in the past 24 hours. Oklahoma is 38th in total cases (42nd per capita), and 34th in deaths (35th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 7,410,510 cases worldwide with 418,294 deaths. There have been 128,399 new cases in the past 24 hours. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 772,416 and Russia with 511,423.

OSDH resumes publishing city-level data, Sand Springs has 2 active cases of COVID-19

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As of today, the Oklahoma State Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard is publishing city and zip-code level data on active and recovered COVID-19 cases. OSDH will also return to the reporting of nursing home and long-term care facility data in the daily Governor’s executive order report. Moving forward, the agency will report by facility, providing an aggregated number of staff and residents who have tested positive for COVID-19.

“We appreciate the efforts and counsel of Attorney General Hunter to enable OSDH to continue reporting the most comprehensive and transparent COVID-19 data that our agency is dedicated to providing Oklahomans,” said OSDH Interim Commissioner Lance Frye.

“The State has been committed to making data-driven decisions to address the presence of COVID-19. I applaud and welcome the return of city and zip code-level COVID-19 reporting and the publishing of COVID-19’s impact on each long term care and nursing home facility,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “I appreciate the collaboration of Commissioner Frye and Attorney General Hunter to interpret recent changes in law and to deliver a quick resolution in the best interest of public health and Oklahoma’s economy.”

Today, the Tulsa Health Department is offering free specimen collection for COVID-19 testing during the Unity in the Community food distribution event at the 36th Street North Event Center from 4-7 p.m. Testing will be set up next door in the parking lot of the Greater Union Baptist Church, 955 E 36th St N, Tulsa, OK 74106. No appointment is necessary. Individuals can walk up, bike or drive-thru. Call the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-9355 with questions. Additional testing information can be found here.

COVID-19 testing sites are open in multiple cities in Oklahoma as a result of a cross-county, city and state health system partnership. Visit this page for updated dates and locations.

In the city of Sand Springs there have been 39 total cases with two deaths and 35 recoveries, leaving two active cases. Tulsa County has totaled 1,109 cases with 59 deaths and 877 recoveries, leaving 173 active cases.

There have been 6,907 cases in Oklahoma since the pandemic began, with 344 deaths and 5,781 recoveries. 782 cases are still active.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 1,862,656 cases nationwide with 108,064 deaths. There have been 20,555 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.

The World Health Organization is reporting 6,535,354 cases worldwide with 387,155 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 584,016 and Russia with 449,834.

Attorney General Hunter advises Health Department to continue releasing city-level data

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today advised the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) that releasing the data about COVID-19 infections does not violate state or federal law, as long as individuals are not identifiable.

After consultation with the attorney general, the OSDH will resume releasing local infection data and deaths. Demographic data, such as age and race, will only be released in aggregate.

“Releasing the total numbers of each locality, county and state-wide demographic data threads the needle of providing up-to-date information to the public while protecting the privacy of Oklahomans,” Attorney General Hunter said. “This data is important for citizens to have at their disposal to make informed decisions. I appreciate OSDH Interim Commissioner Lance Frye and Secretary of Health Jerome Loughridge, for bringing this matter to the attention of my office for review.”

The attorney general advised the interim health commissioner and secretary of health that while state law prohibits the department of health from disclosing personal health information, it may nonetheless release epidemiological information for statistical purposes in such a way that no person can be identified. 

Officials were concerned that releasing detailed demographic information could inadvertently identify someone who is infected with or died from COVID-19, which would violate state laws on medical record confidentiality.

“I am pleased we found a way to provide this data that upholds the law and protects Oklahomans,” Loughridge said. “We thank the attorney general for helping us get to this conclusion.”

Previously, the numbers were being released under the Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers Act, which allowed the governor to temporarily suspend state laws that could hinder the state’s ability to respond to a health emergency or increase the health threat to the population. The emergency declaration under that act expired Monday.

“It is incumbent upon us as state leaders to protect sensitive health information,” Frye said. “I encourage Oklahomans to use the information to make informed decisions in dealing with the Covid 19 pandemic.”

As of Thursday’s situation update, which has not yet restored city-level data, there are 6,907 confirmed positive cases statewide. 344 Oklahomans have died, and 5,781 have recovered, leaving 782 active cases. 1,014 Oklahomans have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 148 people are currently hospitalized.

The Tulsa Health Department is offering free specimen collection for COVID-19 testing during the Unity in the Community food distribution event at the 36th Street North Event Center on Friday, June 5 from 4-7 p.m. Testing will be set up next door in the parking lot of the Greater Union Baptist Church, 955 E 36th St N, Tulsa, OK 74106. No appointment is necessary. Individuals can walk up, bike or drive-thru. Call the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-9355 with questions. Additional testing information can be found here.

A full list of testing sites can be found at this link. There have been 204,815 negative tests so far.

In Tulsa County specifically, there have been 1,109 total cases with 59 deaths and 877 recoveries, leaving 173 active cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 1,842,101 total cases nationwide with 107,029 deaths. There have been 14,676 cases reported in the past 24 hours, and 827 new deaths have been linked to the virus.

The World Health Organization is reporting 6,416,828 cases worldwide with 382,867 deaths and an increase of 93,246 cases in the past 24 hours. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 555,383 and Russia with 441,108.

OSDH removes city-level COVID-19 data, Oklahoma down to 754 active cases

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The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced Monday that its COVID-19 data tracker, located at coronavirus.health.ok.gov, will continue reporting active and recovered COVID-19 cases by county only, as permitted by State law, and the agency will no longer be able to publish COVID-19 data by city, zip code, or by long-term care and nursing home facility due to the State’s Catastrophic Emergency Declaration expiring on May 31, 2020. 

OSDH and the office of Governor Kevin Stitt are actively exploring additional legal opinions and solutions to ensure the public, the medical community, and elected leaders can access relevant COVID-19 data that will allow for quick and effective decision-making while Oklahoma awaits a treatment or vaccine to mute the novel virus. 

“OSDH will continue to publish daily the most recent active and recovered COVID-19 cases by county,” said OSDH Communications Director Kristin Davis. “The State’s infrastructure is in a much stronger position for continuing to address the presence of the novel coronavirus, and the core purpose of the emergency declaration is no longer needed. At the same time, Governor Kevin Stitt and Commissioner Lance Frye continue their shared commitment to transparency and availability of critical COVID-19 data. They have tasked the State’s legal experts to explore other options for providing critical health data that would support all stakeholders’ decision making during the presence of COVID-19, while also safeguarding Oklahomans’ protected health information.”   

The Legislature first granted the Governor’s request for a Catastrophic Emergency Health declaration on April 7, and the declaration was later extended until the end of May. Under the declaration, the Governor was able to redirect state agency resources and state employee efforts to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and was able to activate the Oklahoma National Guard. During this period, the Governor also waived statutory requirements to allow for more granular reporting of COVID-19 data to support rapid decision making at local levels on the response to COVID-19. 

Since the Catastrophic Emergency Declaration went into effect, the number of Oklahomans in the hospital for COVID-19 has declined by roughly 65%, the weekly rate of deaths related to COVID-19 has declined by 56%, and the percentage of positive cases has declined to an all-time low of 3.7%. 

While some data adjustments will be made, OSDH will continue to issue the daily media advisory with cumulative statewide COVID-19 data as well as publishing the following reports: 

As of Tuesday’s Situation Update, there are 6,692 confirmed positive cases in Oklahoma, with 5,599 recoveries and 339 deaths, leaving 754 active cases. There have been five additional deaths linked to the virus, and all occurred between the dates of May 11 and May 30. 124 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized, and 994 have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.

There have been 197,965 negative tests statewide since the pandemic began. A complete list of testing sites can be found at this link.

In Tulsa County there have been 1,057 total cases with 839 recoveries and 57 deaths, leaving 161 active cases.

Johns Hopkins is reporting 1,811,360 cases nationwide with 458,231 recoveries and 105,165 deaths, leaving 1,247,964 active cases. Oklahoma is 38th in total cases (42nd per capita) and 34th in deaths (35th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 6,194,533 cases worldwide with 376,320 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 514,849 and Russia with 423,741.

New COVID-19 case reported in Sand Springs, Oklahoma reaches 5,960 cases

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After a week of zero active cases, the COVID-19 outbreak has returned to Sand Springs, Oklahoma. The city has totaled 37 cases since the pandemic began, with 34 recoveries and two deaths. There is now one active case.

The state of Oklahoma has totaled 5,960 cases overall, with 4,645 recoveries and 311 deaths. There are 1,004 active cases statewide, with 174 individuals currently hospitalized. 932 Oklahomans have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.

Four additional deaths have been linked to the virus. None occurred in the past 24 hours and the others died between May 13 and May 21.

  • One in Oklahoma County, a male in the 65 and older age group.

  • Three in Tulsa County, one male in the 65 and older age group, one female in the 65 and older age group and one male in the 50-64 age group.

A full list of COVID-19 testing sites can be found at this link. There have been 153,804 negative tests in the state.

In recognition of Memorial Day, all Oklahoma State Department of Health offices and county health departments will be closed on Monday, and a media advisory will not be released with new statistics.

In the most recent OSDH Weekly Report, for May 15 to May 21, there were 718 new confirmed cases, 701 recovered cases, and 20 deaths for a net loss of active cases.

While the average age of cases was 50 years, with a range of 0 to 102, the average age of the deceased is 75. The youngest Oklahoman to die from the virus was 22.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 1,595,885 cases nationwide with 96,002 deaths. Oklahoma is 38th in the nation in total cases, and 44th per capita. The state is 34th in deaths.

The World Health Organization is reporting 5,105,881 cases worldwide with 333,446 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Russia with 335,882 and Brazil with 310,087.

Unborn Person Wrongful Death Act signed into law

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(*Editor’s Note: District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan voted in favor of the bill, while District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman voted against).

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation was signed into law Thursday to hold physicians who perform fraudulent abortions solely liable for the wrongful death. Senate Bill 1728, by Sen. David Bullard, creates the Unborn Person Wrongful Death Act and modifies provisions related to awarding damages resulting from such wrongful deaths. 

The Durant Republican said the bill will allow parents and grandparents of unborn children to seek damages against a physician if consent is gained through fraudulent means.  If the woman is coerced, inebriated, given falsified information, or if the physician does not disclose the physical and/or psychological harms that will be caused by the abortion, the physician may be sued. 

“An overwhelming amount of data indicates these are the tactics used by the abortion industry.  Once these fraudulent schemes are exposed and no longer available, thousands of unborn babies will be saved every year,” Bullard said.  “When women and families choose to use this power to make Oklahoma an abortion desert, countless innocent lives will be saved.”  

The bill specifies that physicians cannot waive liability prior to performing an abortion. Recoverable damages may not include the cost of the abortion. The bill also removes the exclusion of legal abortions and acts committed during diagnostic testing or treatment from deaths, which may constitute recoverable damages.

In addition, the bill also protects physicians who choose life over an abortion. Doctors who do everything a reasonably prudent doctor would do to save the life of the mother and child will be protected from civil liabilities. 

Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, is the House author of the measure, which will become law November 1, 2020.

“We’ve gotten to the point in this country where a woman is only believed if her voice lines up with a specific political ideology,” said Gann. “This legislation restores the voice of millions of women and gives them the right to fight back against an industry that brutalizes them for profit.

According to the Justice Foundation, up to 69 percent of abortions in the U.S. are performed without legal consent and are coerced. They’ve found that mothers are persuaded to go through with abortions through illegal coercion including being lied to about the age or health of their babies or about the safety of the actual procedure. Many women are drugged prior to actually agreeing to the procedure thinking they are only getting examined, but wake up to realize the procedure is complete.

The CDC’s latest statistics show that there were more than 623,000 abortions performed in 2016, or nearly 200 abortions for every 1,000 live births.

Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman appointed to state health care board

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman, D-Tulsa, was recently appointed to the Oklahoma Health Care Workforce Resources Board.

The board governs the Oklahoma Health Care Workforce Resources Center (OHCWRC), which was created in 2006 to collect and analyze data relating to health care worker supply and demand trends; ensure Oklahoma’s education and training systems have the resources to support and produce the number of health care workers needed in the state; increase awareness among citizens of health care careers and opportunities; and improve job satisfaction and retention rates of state health care employees.

As a member of the board, Ikley-Freeman will be responsible for the oversight of the executive director of the OHCWRC.

“I’m excited to get to work on the Oklahoma Health Care Workforce Resources Board, and am thankful to Sen. Floyd for the opportunity,” Ikley-Freeman said. “As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to ensure we are recruiting our state’s best and brightest to fill our health care related jobs, as well as provide the support our current health care workers need to be successful.”

Ikley-Freeman was appointed to the post by Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City.

“I am pleased to appoint Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman to the Oklahoma Health Care Workforce Resources Board,” said Senate Democratic Leader Floyd. “As a mental health professional, Senator Ikley-Freeman will bring a much-needed perspective to this board.”

Surviving COVID-19 in Sand Springs

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Stephanie and Jim Schrepel.

On March 7th there was only one official, confirmed case of the COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma, and less than 1,000 cases in the country. The virus that has now infected over 1.5 million Americans was still just a distant rumor for most Oklahomans, and the nationwide shutdown of restaurants, stores, schools, churches, and parks was something few saw coming.

That was the day Stephanie Schrepel began to get a sore throat. She had recently returned to Sand Springs from a family trip to Disney World, with layovers in Atlanta and Houston, making it hard to say where exactly she was exposed. Fortunately, she was the only member of her family to contract the virus, and her husband, Jim, left on another trip before she could potentially infect him.

“Jim was scheduled to fly out to California to help take care of my parents,” says Stephanie. Her mom had recently undergone surgery, and Jim volunteered to help take care of his in-laws while Stephanie’s sister was on vacation.

While Jim was spending over a week and a half in California, his wife was back home, going about her usual business with nothing more than a scratchy throat and some mild exhaustion, which she assumed were caused by allergies and jetlag. She attended her Monday night Bible study at her son’s house, but midway through the meeting, she began to feel feverish and left.

“I get home and I take my temperature and it’s 100.5. Overnight I started getting worse, and the next morning I emailed my primary care physician.” Her doctor called on Wednesday and told her to go to the health department for testing, but the health department didn’t have any tests either.

At the time Stephanie was beginning to become symptomatic, the entire nation was facing a shortage of COVID tests, and they were reserved for people who had traveled overseas, or who had been in recent contact with an international traveler.

By Thursday Stephanie had alerted her pastor that she was sick and had been in physical contact with fellow church members through her Monday night Bible Study group. The church board made the decision to cancel services at Reach Church the following Sunday, weeks before the statewide shutdown was mandated by the Governor.

Finally, four days after the onset of her fever, she was finally approved by the state epidemiologist for a test. “I was literally the poster child for what could go wrong with testing. I went to a drive-through at OSU, they did the test, it went to Saint Francis, and it sat over the weekend and wasn’t prepped the way it should have been.”

After the test was improperly processed, the specimen was no longer valid and Stephanie had to be retested a full week after first becoming feverish. It was another ten days before the results came back and confirmed she had the virus.

On March 7th, when Stephanie began to feel symptomatic, there were 946 cases in the country. By the 28th, when she was officially diagnosed, there were 14,855 in the country and 377 in Oklahoma.

The 28th was also the first day Stephanie was fever-free. By that time, Jim had returned from California, and he was put up in the Hampton Inn for eight days to avoid being exposed. They celebrated their 41st anniversary with her inside and him on the porch.

The fever was one thing, but Stephanie also suffered a sinus infection and pneumonia as a result of the virus. She never got sick enough to require a ventilator, and because of her medical background she was able to check her oxygen levels and heart rate at home.

Stephanie is the Director of Respiratory Therapy at Cleveland Area Hospital, where she is now helping her fellow COVID survivors to regain proper lung function. Stephanie herself is still struggling with shortness of breath from walking more than short distances. “We’ve had patients who have been in a hospital bed anywhere from two to three weeks. We get them to a place where they can go home and function independently.”

“I was probably one of the few that should’ve gone to the hospital that didn’t. I just feel like God protected me. Some of it was not my own common sense. I probably should’ve gone ahead and called an ambulance, but in my mind I was thinking ‘I’d have to turn off the alarm, I’d have to go open the front door,’ and I was having a hard time just walking ten feet to the bathroom.”

The Schrepels will have an opportunity to thank God for that protection this Friday at 7:00 p.m. when they host the fourth annual Unity Praise event at Case Community Park. Together, the couple runs In Jesus Name Ministries International, which puts together the non-denominational worship gathering every year.

The event will feature live music from Roger Rister, Darin Shipley, and Eddie Preas, with preaching from Jim Schrepel and Negiel Bigpond. “Whether you’re Charismatic, Free Will Baptist, Church of Christ, the main focus is that we need Jesus,” says Stephanie.

The event will be held on the two-acre Great Lawn at Case Park, which should provide plenty of room for attendees to social distance and maintain their safety while celebrating the aspects of their faith that transcend denominational differences.

Case Community Park is located at 2500 South River City Park Road in Sand Springs.

The inaugural Unity Praise event was held in 2017 at CPHS Memorial Stadium.

Legislation to address workplace violence in hospitals/health care facilities signed into law

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(*Editor’s Note: District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan voted in favor of the bill, which passed the House 74-26. District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman voted against the bill, which passed the Senate 43-4).

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation strengthening laws dealing with violence against people who work in hospitals and health care facilities has been signed into law.  Senate Bill 1290, the Medical Care Provider Protection Act, by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, and Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, was approved by the governor on Tuesday.

Weaver said despite a lifelong career in law enforcement, he was shocked to learn how often health care workers are the victims of workplace violence.  He thanked the governor and fellow members for approving legislation aimed at keeping them safer, especially now.

“Our health care workers and other employees in these facilities are on the frontline during this pandemic.  I think the current situation just highlights how important it is to do all we can to ensure their safety while on the job” Weaver said.  “In Oklahoma City hospitals alone, between five and 10 assaults are reported every day, but it’s a problem that impacts health care workers throughout the state.  I’m grateful for the governor and the members of both chambers for their support of this legislation.”

Provisions included in SB 1290 would:

  • Raise awareness through uniformed signage in medical settings, which will read:  WARNING:  ASSAULTING A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WHO IS ENGAGED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER OFFICIAL DUTIES IS A SERIOUS CRIME.

  • Require the annual reporting of all assaults on health care workers to the State Health Department. The data would be nonidentifiable.

  • Create an inclusive listing of specific health care workers that the bill covers.

  • Increase the penalty for aggravated assault and battery on a medical care provider from the current range of up to one year to a minimum of two years and a maximum of five.

Roe has 37 years of health care experience and is currently a nurse practitioner in Pauls Valley, where she has worked on the front lines during the state’s COVID-19 response.

“In my career as a nurse and nurse practitioner, I have seen and experienced firsthand the violence that often faces our health care workers,” Roe said. “Violent behavior from patients or visitors is a problem far too many medical professionals have been a victim of, and it unfortunately has caused many talented health care workers to pursue other careers. An estimated 75% of all workplace violence occurs in health care. I’m hopeful that the actions taken by the Legislature through this bill will cut down on this violent behavior and help keep our medical professionals safe.”

Sand Springs City Councilman Mike Burdge makes 200th blood donation

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Sand Springs, OK - When Mike Burdge learned back in 1970 that he could earn a little extra time off during his tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Vietnam by making a blood donation- he did not flinch. The young soldier scrambled at the chance to give blood and enjoy a little more time away from the war. It has taken years since then for Burdge, now a former Mayor and current City Council member with the City of Sand Springs to realize the immense value of his blood donations made back then, and those he has given for more than fifty years.

Five decades later Burdge recently reached a milestone by making his 202nd blood donation with the Oklahoma Blood Institute. Like the cavalry, Burdge’s steadfast commitment to donate blood platelets and plasma has come to the rescue for agencies like the Oklahoma Blood Institute, who are in dire need of the “gift of life” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result of social distancing and concerns over large gatherings, blood drives have been suspended and only a small number of people can participate at one time at the Oklahoma Blood Institute’s facility in Tulsa while making a donation. The pandemic has put real pressure on the need for donations of blood to save lives in Oklahoma.

Somewhere along the way Burdge shifted his war strategy on blood donations too. These days he focuses his mission on donating the more precious platelets and plasma, which take much longer (2 ½ to 4 hours) to give than the more common unit of 2 blood donation. He has come to understand that his donations are critical for people making their way (for example) through cancer treatments and much more, and that the call for blood will never go away.

“I realized the impact of saving lives through donating blood was much more powerful than many of my efforts to save lives during my time in Vietnam,” said Burdge who plans to continue his war on blood supply.

For the Oklahoma Blood Institute, they are grateful that many Oklahomans have answered the call, and invite anyone who can help the cause to consider following in Burdge’s mission. For more information about giving blood or if you have questions about how blood products are used daily to save lives visit www.obi.org or call them at 1-888-584-7557.

Shepherd’s Law, providing for licensure of midwives, becomes law

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(*Editor’s Note: District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan and District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, representing Sand Springs, both voted yes on the bill).

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation creating a system for licensing midwives has been signed into law.  Senate Bill 1823, creating Shepherd’s Law, was signed into law Monday by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

State Sen. Brenda Stanley, a former educator, is principal author of SB 1823, also known as Shepherd’s Law, named for the baby of a former student--the infant died a day after a planned home delivery that went wrong.  Stanley, R-Midwest City, expressed her thanks to supporters inside and outside the Capitol for helping move the bill all the way through the process.  Stanley noted that Certified Professional Midwives are already regulated in 34 other states.  She said getting SB 1823 signed into law is an important step for Oklahoma.

“Shepherd’s Law provides for licensure, oversight, accountability, informed consent, and preserves parental choice about who they want to use, whether it’s an obstetrician, a lay-midwife, or a licensed, certified midwife,” Stanley said.  “Ultimately, I believe this bill will help us better protect the health and safety of mothers and babies.”

Under SB 1823, a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) or Certified Midwife (CM) would be required to be licensed in Oklahoma.  All midwives would be required to disclose what credentials or licensure they may or may not have, their limitation of skills and whether they carry malpractice insurance.  A required informed consent document would also include information on the midwife’s plan for emergencies and complications and gives parents the ability to pre-select a hospital in case of an emergency.

Licensed midwives would also be required to advise clients to seek medical care for pregnancies outside their scope of practice and to call for emergency assistance in situations that fall outside their scope of practice.  The $1,000 license would be good for three years.

The legislation also places oversight of the midwifery profession under the State Commissioner of Health and creates an Advisory Committee on Midwifery to assist the commissioner in matters pertaining to licensure, discipline and related issues.  Rulemaking authority of the commissioner includes scope of practice, a formulary of prescription drugs for licensed midwives to administer, routine tests, and continuing education. The Health Department would also maintain a roster of licensed midwives.

The measure was supported by the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives, Oklahoma Chapter.

The House principal author of SB 1823 is Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsey.  She said the new law will take effect on November 1, 2020.

“This law will give prospective Oklahoma mothers the ability to determine the credentials and skills a midwife has before making a decision about who they want to entrust with their life and that of their baby,” Roe said. 

Sen. Standridge issues statement on final passage of SB 1046; measure supports launch of SoonerCare 2.0 in July

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(*Editor’s note: District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan voted in favor of the bill, while District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman voted nay.)

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, applauded House passage of Senate Bill 1046 on Friday, just two days after the Senate approved the measure as a part of the launch of SoonerCare 2.0 on July 1.  The measure has now been sent to the governor and awaits his signature.

The state’s current Medicaid Program, SoonerCare, currently only covers children, pregnant women, adults with children, elderly adults, and disabled adults.  Beginning July 1, 2020, Oklahoma’s Medicaid program will offer coverage availability to include many low-income adults between the ages of 19 and 64.  In addition to the expansion, the state has requested a federal waiver for the state’s SoonerCare 2.0 program to allow the state more flexibility in how it administers the plan.

Standridge, a pharmacist, issued the following statement on Friday:

“Being a health care professional and having spoken out against the many efforts in the Capitol to sell off our Medicaid system to the highest out-of-state bidder, I was very proud to vote for and champion the passage of Senate Bill 1046.  I’m proud to stand with Governor Stitt in launching SoonerCare 2.0.  This will provide health care to our needy in a responsible way that provides citizens with a pathway to independence.

“Utilizing the new Trump administration’s innovative Healthy Adult Opportunity initiative, the state can have flexibility under SoonerCare 2.0 to provide care in a way the State of Oklahoma and our citizens see best. I have always called for an Oklahoma First philosophy at the state Capitol, and SoonerCare 2.0 is not only Oklahoma First all the way, but it also will place Oklahoma as one of the first states in the nation to take advantage of President Trump’s state sovereignty-minded Healthy Adult Opportunity program.”

Sand Springs hits zero active cases of COVID-19 after 34 recoveries

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The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 5,398 overall with 288 deaths and 4,008 recoveries, leaving 1,102 active cases statewide. The city of Sand Springs now has zero active confirmed cases. There have been 36 total cases with 34 recoveries and two deaths. Case totals only count confirmed diagnoses, and do not account for individuals who are asymptomatic.

In the city of Tulsa, there are 548 total cases with 23 deaths and 445 recoveries, leaving 80 active cases. In Tulsa County there are 787 cases, 37 deaths, and 650 recoveries, leaving 100 active cases.

885 Oklahomans have been hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic, and 180 individuals are currently hospitalized. No deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours.

On Sunday, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) reported 78 new positive COVID cases, for a total of 5,310 positives, and today the agency is reporting 88 new positive COVID-19 cases for a total of 5,398 positives.

Of today’s new positive cases, 64% were in Texas County, where the agency is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), businesses and the community on a robust testing and tracing strategy to contain and minimize further spread of COVID-19 throughout this region.

The OSDH, CDC, Texas County Health Department (TCHD) and Seaboard Foods have teamed up to increase understanding of COVID-19 spread in the community. The team is working to determine the impact of the novel coronavirus on the population and find solutions to reduce the level of COVID-19 throughout Guymon, the county and surrounding areas.

Since March, OSDH and TCHD proactively collaborated with Seaboard Foods, the largest employer in the area, to develop and implement quarantine and isolation guidelines and contact tracing for all individuals with positive results in Texas County. OSDH also deployed at the company’s request broader testing at Seaboard Foods’ plant operations while providing guidance to Seaboard Foods in implementing the CDC’s guidelines for sanitation and preparation for safely returning to operations.

For several weeks, TCHD has offered COVID-19 drive-thru testing centers at strategic locations in Texas County. Additional testing supplies were provided to local hospitals and medical providers to support testing in the general public, with or without symptoms of COVID-19.

“Our goal is to provide expanded COVID-19 testing while supporting contact tracing efforts to contain and mitigate the spread in Guymon and surrounding communities,” said Oklahoma State Health Department Regional Director Terri Salisbury. “We appreciate the partnership of Seaboard Foods and its strong focus on the health of plant employees and their families.”

On Sunday, May 10, OSDH sent a team of nurses at the request of the company to support testing efforts for Seaboard plant employees to know their COVID-19 status and help bring peace of mind. Seaboard Foods partnered with Oklahoma State University to produce face shields for employees as an additional form of personal protective equipment.

“We appreciate the collaboration to work with the community to find solutions that will help minimize and reduce the level of the virus,” said Seaboard Foods Senior Director of Communications David Eaheart

Through a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma and The Caring Foundation, OSDH is deploying Caring Vans providing free COVID-19 testing to underserved communities in Oklahoma City, increasing testing accessibility. COVID-19 testing is open to everyone 16 and older; people do not need to exhibit symptoms to be tested. 

This week, a Caring Van will be at the Latino Community Development Agency (lcdaok.com) Monday through Thursday, May 18-21, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Agency is located at 420 SW 10th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73109. Testing at the Caring Van will be open to everyone 16 and older, and people do not need to be exhibiting symptoms to be tested.

COVID-19 testing sites are open in multiple cities in Oklahoma as a result of a cross-county, city and state health system partnership. Visit this page for updated dates and locations. There have been 117,807 negative tests statewide.

The CDC is reporting 1,480,349 cases nationwide with 89,407 deaths, an increase of 13,284 cases and 698 deaths in the past 24 hours.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting 4,628,903 cases worldwide with 312,009 deaths. There have been 100,078 new cases in the past 24 hours.

The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Russia with 290,678, The United Kingdom with 243,699, Brazil with 233,142, and Spain with 231,350.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases rise to 4,962 with 3,660 recoveries and 284 deaths

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The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 4,962 with 3,660 recoveries, leaving 1,018 active cases. There have been 284 deaths statewide with 858 cumulative hospitalizations and 217 current hospitalizations. The city of Sand Springs has totaled 36 cases with 33 recoveries and two deaths, leaving one active case.

There have been six additional deaths in Oklahoma, with three occurring in the past 24 hours, and three occurring between May 4th and May 11th.

  • Two in Oklahoma County, a male in the 65 and older age group and a female in the 65 and older age group. 

  • Two in Cleveland County, both males in the 65 and older age group. 

  • One in Comanche County, a male in the 50-64 age group. 

  • One in Washington County, a female in the 65 and older age group.  

The state has processed 106,943 negative tests thus far. A complete list of testing sites can be found at this link. One out of every 797 Oklahomans have been been diagnosed with the virus.

“Over the past week, OSDH has deployed several systems of support into Texas County and the surrounding areas to address a heightened presence of COVID-19. The largest employer in the county, Seaboard Foods, has been a good partner with state agencies by allowing OSDH to test all processing plant employees," said Health Commissioner Gary Cox.

"We are also partnering on guidance and solutions to ensure the company continues doing everything possible to protect its workers. Over the next few days, we expect spikes in our reporting of positive cases due to the significant number of tests processed for Texas County, which is reflective of our increased testing efforts.”

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 1,384,930 cases nationwide with 83,947 deaths, an increase of 20,869 cases and 1,701 deaths in the past 24 hours. Oklahoma is 37th in total cases (43rd per capita) and 31st in deaths (32nd per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 4,258,666 cases worldwide with 294,190 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Russia with 252,245, The United Kingdom with 229,709, and Spain with 228,691.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases rise to 4,424 with 3,064 recoveries

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The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 4,424 with 266 deaths and 228 current hospitalizations. 3,064 Oklahomans have recovered, leaving 1,360 active cases. Tulsa County has totaled 684 cases, 493 recoveries, and 36 deaths. Sand Springs has totaled 34 cases with two deaths and 30 recoveries.

Six additional deaths have been linked to COVID-19 in Oklahoma. Two of them occurred in the past 24 hours and the others died between May 2nd and May 6th.

  • One in Oklahoma County, a female in the 65 and older age group.

  • One in Caddo County, a male in the 50-64 age group. 

  • One in Cotton County, a male in the 65 and older age group.

  • One in Le Flore County, a male in the 65 and older age group.

  • One in Rogers County, a female in the 50-64 age group. 

  • One in Washington County, a male in the 65 and older age group.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield to bring Caring Vans to under-served areas for COVID-19 testing. The tests will be available to everyone, regardless of if they are showing symptoms for the virus. OSDH Commissioner Gary Cox has set a goal of testing 90,000 people during the month of May.

Caring Vans will be at the following locations on Friday, May 8, and on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Guiding Right, 1420 NE 23rd St., Okla. City

  • Supermercados Morelos, 1 SE 59th St., Okla. City

  • Little Flower Catholic Church (across the street from Latino Community Development Agency), 1125 S. Walker Ave., Okla. City

  • La 29 Business Association, SW 29th St., Okla. City

“As the state enters the first phase of a measured reopening, testing becomes even more vital to health officials and Oklahomans who use data to make informed decisions to protect health,” said Cox. “We want everyone to get tested, regardless of whether or not they are currently showing symptoms, so we can improve early detection of new clusters and hot spots as they arise and aggressively mitigate spread.”

A full list of COVID-19 testing sites can be found at this link. There have been 84,869 negative tests so far in Oklahoma.

“We are pleased to spotlight the data reflecting Oklahoma’s continued success in flattening the curve,” said Interim State Epidemiologist Aaron Wendelboe. “The more testing we do, the more confidence we have in our data. We are relying on Oklahomans to get tested for COVID-19 now that we have plenty of testing capability.”

There have been 712 confirmed cases in the past week, an increase of 43.3% from the prior week, and 46 deaths, a 4.5% increase. 71 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties have at least one confirmed case.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 1,219,066 cases nationwide with 73,297 deaths. Oklahoma is 38th in total cases (45th per capita) and 31st in deaths.

The World Health Organization is reporting 3,767,744 cases worldwide with 259,593 deaths. The United States lead the world, followed by Spain (221,447), Italy (215,858), The United Kingdom (206,719, and Russia (187,859).

COVID-19 claims second Sand Springs victim, total Oklahoma cases up to 4,201

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The number of cumulative diagnosed COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 4,201 with 2,909 recoveries, leaving 1,292 known active cases in the state. Sand Springs has totaled 34 cases with 30 recoveries and two deaths.

There are currently 230 hospitalized Oklahomans, bringing the cumulative total to 784 since the pandemic began. Hospitals currently have more than 4,300 beds available, with 343 available in Adult ICU. There are 872 ventilators available.

There have been an additional six deaths linked to COVID-19, with one occurring in the past 24 hours and five occurring between May 2nd and May 4th. A second Sand Springs resident has died.

The City of Sand Springs has allowed personal care businesses, restaurants, gyms, tattoo parlors, sporting venues, and churches to reopen with some restrictions and increased sanitation protocols. The City is eyeing May 15th as a tentative date for allowing organized sports, weddings, and funerals to resume. The City Parks Department plans to reopen splash pads, playgrounds, public restrooms, outdoor sports courts, as well as the Case Community Center, Keystone Ancient Forest, and Cultural and Historical Museum on June 1st.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has issued a statement recognizing National Nurses Day.

“We greatly appreciate all that you, as critically important health professionals, do to keep Oklahomans healthy,” said Health Commissioner Gary Cox. “Especially during this pandemic, you provide unwavering care for us at all hours and often behind the scenes. National Nurses Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness of your important role.”

National Nurses Day was established in 1954 to mark the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s contribution to the field of medicine. Nightingale is often credited as the founder of modern nursing, as she is responsible for many of the standards that are required of present-day nurses, including strict handwashing and hygiene practices.

Today, nursing remains one of the most popular careers in the United States. According to a 2014 study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses made up the largest portion of the healthcare workforce in the United States. In Oklahoma, there are over 56,000 Registered Nurses (RNs), 18,000 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and 3,572 Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).

The OSDH would like to encourage everyone to show appreciation for the nurses in their lives today, and through the rest of National Nursing Week, which concludes on May 12.

The State has processed 83,401 negative tests to-date and has 52,217 collection kits available. Governor Kevin Stitt has requested all testing sites to begin testing everyone, regardless of symptoms. A list of testing stations can be found at this link.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 1,171,510 cases nationwide with 68,279 deaths. Oklahoma is 37th in total cases (44th per capita) and 30th in deaths.

The World Health Organization is reporting 3,595,662 cases worldwide with 247,652 deaths. The United States lead the world in total cases, followed by Spain (219,329), Italy (213,013), The United Kingdom (194,994) and Russia (165,929).

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases surpass 4,000

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The number of total COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has reached 4,044 as of Monday, with 2,682 recoveries, leaving 1,362 active cases. 238 Oklahomans have died from the virus, 753 have been hospitalized, and 236 are currently hospitalized. Sand Springs has totaled 34 cases with one death and 28 recoveries.

The state has processed 70,368 negative tests and has 45,806 collection kits still available. Governor Kevin Stitt has requested that testing sites begin making tests available to individuals regardless of if they are showing symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 1,152,372 cases nationwide with 67,456 deaths. Oklahoma is 36th in total cases (44th per capita) and 30th in deaths.

The World Health Organization is reporting 3,442,234 cases worldwide with 239,740 deaths. The United States lead the world in total cases, followed by Spain (217,446), Italy (210,717), The United Kingdom (186,603), Germany (163,175), and Russia (145,268).

Legislature reaches Fiscal Year 2021 budget agreement

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislative leaders announced a Fiscal Year 2021 state budget agreement Monday designed to hold education funding harmless while limiting most budget reductions to 4% or less amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a far better budget than many expected and that should come as a relief to the citizens who rely on core services and the agencies that serve them, given the effect of both depressed oil and gas prices and the pandemic on state revenues,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “We successfully avoided the catastrophic cuts some had feared, and I thank the budget chairs and their committees for their hard work and leadership during this difficult time.”

Under the agreement, most of the $1.4 billion, or 17%, revenue hole Gov. Kevin Stitt projected last month is filled by using reserve funds, cutting one-time spending, temporarily redirecting non-appropriated money into the budget, and agency appropriation reductions of 4% or less in most cases.

“The Legislature is pleased to have an agreement stabilizing the budget to the fullest extent possible under the numbers Governor Stitt provided,” said House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka. “The Legislature is strongly united behind this agreement and will enact it quickly to provide certainty to state services at a time it is sorely needed.”

The agreement calls for a total budget of $7.7 billion, which is $237.8 million, or 3%, less than the FY 2020 budget.

Education

Education was prioritized above all else. With federal COVID-19 relief funds considered, common and higher education would receive no reduction next year – and may receive more money.

“The Legislature kept its promise and protected education. We are not letting a virus roll back the historic investments Oklahoma has made in education the past few years,” said Senate Appropriations Chairman Roger Thompson, R-Okemah.

Under the agreement, the State Department of Education’s temporary appropriation reduction is 2.5%, or $78.2 million, of its $3 billion appropriation. Recent teacher pay raises will not be impacted.

With relief funds considered, though, common education is projected to receive more money next year than this year. Oklahoma’s $200 million in COVID relief money for common education fully offsets the temporary state funding reduction of $78.2 million, or 2.5%, to common education.

“We are very pleased to agree on an innovative and creative budget that meets our goal to protect classroom funding from reductions. As the branch of government closest to the people, the Legislature is fully confident this is how Oklahomans want their tax dollars prioritized when times get tough,” said House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston.

State agencies

Most other agencies receive effective reductions of 4% or less, with core service agencies such as health care, public safety and transportation receiving smaller reductions in some cases, while other agencies with mandatory upcoming spending are held flat or slightly increased.

“The executive branch predicted significantly larger budget cuts would be needed to balance the FY 21 budget. The fact that the Legislature was able to keep reductions to 4% or less should come as welcome news to state agencies,” Treat said. “In addition to the work the Legislature has done, Governor Stitt has the ability to do more to mitigate reductions through many of the emergency funds at his disposal and his authority to innovate within the state agencies he manages directly.”

Oklahoma has received more than $1.25 billion in federal relief funds for COVID-19 expenses – far more than the $237.8 million spending reduction in the budget agreement.

“Now is a great time for Governor Stitt to use the strong management skills he pledged to bring to government. We expect Governor Stitt will make good use of his proven business acumen to help agencies maintain service levels to the public,” McCall said.

Outlook ahead

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, nearly every state has revised revenue projections downward and expects to enact reduced budgets due to COVID-19’s effect on the economy and state government revenues.

“As we look at the national picture, it is clear accurate revenue projections are simply impossible amid all this volatility,” Wallace said. “When revenue projections change as volatility decreases, state budgets here and everywhere should look better. In the meantime, the Legislature is enacting a workable budget with smaller cuts than other states are making.”

Legislative budget leaders said the $1.4 billion revenue hole projected by Governor Stitt was used in building the budget, but that the projection could change, allowing for midyear budget adjustments.

“We still remain circumspect about the data used to create the executive branch’s projections, but we worked off their numbers. We will consider supplemental appropriations to restore some of these reductions if revenues improve as we expect them to,” Thompson said.

The FY 2020 budget was the largest in state history, and FY 2021’s would be among the largest, as well.

“We’ve been here before, but today Oklahoma is much better positioned to face a fiscal challenge like this. Prudent actions taken in response to the last budget hole three years ago and decisions to save money last year left Oklahoma’s fiscal position stronger than ever and built up strong reserves that have been a saving grace during this unforeseen worldwide pandemic,” Treat said.

Under the legislative agreement, the state would head into FY 2022 with an estimated $600 million in savings funds, apportionment reforms and other flexibility to help stabilize the FY 2022 budget if necessary. In addition, agencies typically have close to $1 billion in agency-specific reserves at their disposal throughout every fiscal year.

“Unlike the last budget hole three years ago, this one won’t require revenue raising measures and should end when the economy restarts,” McCall said. “Oklahoma will bounce back strong and move forward.”

Gov. Stitt asks COVID testing stations to begin testing everyone, even without symptoms

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The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 3473 with 214 deaths and 703 cumulative hospitalizations. There have been 2319 recoveries, leaving 1154 active cases and 283 current hospitalizations. There have been three deaths in the past 24 hours. Sand Springs has totaled 30 cases with one death and 22 recoveries.

57,794 tests have come back negative in Oklahoma. The state has a supply of 63,327 collection kits available, and Governor Kevin Stitt is now calling for all COVID testing locations and providers to expand access to all Oklahomans who desire to be tested, even without demonstrating symptoms. A list of testing stations can be found at this link.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 1,005,147 cases nationwide with 57,505 deaths. Oklahoma is 37th in total cases (43rd per capita) and 29th in total deaths. The World Health Organization is reporting 2,995,758 cases worldwide with 204,987 deaths.