House Democrats Want More State Restrictions Amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

Democrats in the State House of Representatives said the governor’s partial state shutdown is a failure, and they want more restrictions.

State Representative Jason Lowe (D) Oklahoma City knows firsthand how bad COVID-19 can be.  He’s quarantined after testing positive for the virus.

“It was such an intense pain. Chills. Pain I can’t really can’t describe. It was such a unique pain,” Lowe said. “This put me down. This virus is deadly. It can affect anyone. I implore the public take this seriously.”

By that, Lowe and other Democrats said the governor should expand his executive orders to the whole state. The governor’s executive order just closes nonessential businesses in the counties where residents have tested positive.

“I would do a statewide shelter in place order. I would limit the number of places that are still able to be open. The list is pretty lengthy so a lot of the businesses that probably shouldn’t be considered essential are allowed to stay open right now,” said Representative Emily Virgin (D) Minority Leader.

“First off we are following the federal guidelines,” Governor Kevin Stitt said. “Second if there are businesses that are gathering with ten or more that is a violation so if they are an essential that doesn’t mean that they should gather with ten or more people in groups.”

Democrats said they know their plan would have an impact on the economy but, “this is something that can kill you,” Lowe said. “So, you can never restart your business if you’re dead.”