Gov. Stitt Lifts State Of Emergency Pertaining To COVID-19 Pandemic

Oklahoma has been in a state of emergency since March 15, 2020, but that changes Tuesday.

Gov. Kevin Stitt said one of the main reasons is the drop in the state's seven-day average of COVID-19 cases.

The governor's office said the average is now down 94% from its peak and coronavirus hospitalizations are down 90% as well.

Stitt said vaccinations also played a big role in his decision to lift the emergency declaration.

All adults have been eligible to get the vaccine since late March.

The state health department reports more than 2.6 million shots have been given statewide, and about 985,000 Oklahomans are fully vaccinated.

“Because Oklahomans used personal responsibility to protect themselves, their families and our most vulnerable, the data shows COVID-19 is no longer an emergency,” Stitt said. “We were the first state to reopen our economy on June 1, and we are continuing to lead the nation now. More people are getting the vaccine every day, our kids are safely back in school, our businesses are open and thriving and our unemployment rate is better than the national average.”

The state health department said even with no state of emergency, they will continue to collect test results from both hospitals and labs to remain vigilant as the response evolves.