COVID-19

By KRISTI HAYES
kristi@poncacitynews.com
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has announced that all non-essential businesses in Oklahoma in the 19 counties with at least one or more confirmed COVID-19 cases must close by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday for the next 21 days.
This includes close contact businesses such as hair salons, gyms, tattoo parlors, massage parlors, bars, etc.
Restaurants are encouraged to remain open while offering curbside/delivery options.

PONCA CITY – A former resident of Ponca City Nursing and Rehabilitation tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 17. The resident was discharged from the nursing facility over the weekend to a local hospital after experiencing symptoms. The resident is not expected to return to the nursing facility and is expected to be released from the hospital into the care of family.

One other resident of the facility, who was in close contact with the affected resident, has been tested for COVID-19. The test results are not yet available.

(Oklahoma City) – Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax declared an election emergency today for local elections being held in 74 counties on April 7, 2020.

NOC extends spring break due to COVID-19
 
  Northern Oklahoma College President Dr. Cheryl Evans announced today the closing of all NOC locations until March 30, extending spring break for one extra week due to COVID-19.
  There are no known confirmed cases of COVID-19 at any NOC location at this time, although there have been positive tests in Kay and Payne counties.  
  NOC administration is responding to the Executive Order Governor Stitt issued today and CDC guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Oklahoma Senate leader statement on COVID-19

OKLAHOMA CITY – The leader of the Oklahoma Senate released the following statement:

“The Oklahoma Senate today learned that someone in the Senate has tested positive for COVID-19. While the risk to a majority of Senate personnel and senators remains low, per the recommendation and under the guidance of health officials, we are taking appropriate measures.