Governor Kevin Stitt held a press conference on Thursday to outline a new color-coded COVID-19 Alert system launched by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. During the press conference Stitt also said he has no plans for a statewide mask mandate.
Pointing to the demographics, Stitt said many of the COVID-19 infections are among younger people since the state began Phase 3 of the reopening plan. He also notes the death rate has remained low.
The color-coded alert system has four tiers, green, yellow, orange and red. It is designed for county level information to help local communities make decisions, if the infection rate spikes in their area.
“This new COVID-19 alert system marries OSDH’s robust data reporting with additional public health steps that should be considered county by county to confront elevated risks of community spread,” said Interim Health Commissioner Lance Frye, M.D. “The color-coded system is an easy way for business owners, local leaders, and the public to know at a glance when extra precautions should be taken.”
House Democrats led by Minority Leader Emily Virgin suggested such a color coded system recently.
More information on the COVID-19 Alert System can be found here.
You can watch the Governor’s press conference below.
Very proud of our Governor and his measured response – Oklahoma remains open for business!