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Oklahoma City (June 17, 2020) – While the state gears up for more large events, including Saturday’s campaign rally for President Trump, the Oklahoma State Medical Association is urging people to use caution and common sense to decrease infection spread during public gatherings. The medical community’s concern is prompted by recent COVID-19 spikes throughout Oklahoma, some of which have been traced to large gatherings and a loosening of public health restrictions as Oklahoma completes its final phase of re-opening.
As Tulsa prepares for the upcoming Presidential visit, the state is dealing with a significant spike in the number of positive coronavirus cases. In fact, the Oklahoma State Health Department has reported almost 1,300 new cases this past week alone. Over the weekend, public health officials in Tulsa implored event organizers to reconsider hosting large gatherings that could contribute to even more disease spread.
“Though the desire to participate in the political process is commendable, it is certainly our hope that state and national leaders will heed the warnings of the public health community and work with both Mayor Bynum and the Tulsa County Health Department to find ways to mitigate health risks while preserving the right to peaceably assemble. This could include moving the venue outdoors, having multiple smaller venue events, and having a virtual attendance option” said George Monks, M.D., president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association. “However, if events like these are going to proceed, we strongly encourage those who choose to gather to implement common- sense measures, such as wearing face masks, maintaining as much distance as possible from others and using hand sanitizer or washing frequently. In addition, the duration of such events should be kept to a minimum in order to lower possible risk of virus transmission.”
In addition to addressing the need for caution surrounding large events, Dr. Monks also called for Oklahomans to help prevent the everyday spread of coronavirus by embracing common-sense guidelines from the CDC, which include wearing masks in public and cleaning hands frequently.“
The climb in positive numbers over the six weeks since the state began reopening have shown that this virus is still very active. While it is necessary for Oklahomans to leave the house for shopping, doctors’ visits and work, it is also important to be mindful not only of your own health but also that of those in your community. When faced with overwhelming odds, Oklahomans work together for the betterment of our communities, emerging from crisis even stronger than before. This weekend, the eyes of the world will be on Tulsa, and this is our opportunity to once again embrace the Oklahoma Standard by working together to protect the health of our fellow Oklahomans.”
The state’s largest physician advocacy group, the Oklahoma State Medical Association represents over 4,000 physicians, residents and medical students.
Media Contact: Jennifer Dennis-Smith dennis-smith@okmed.org 405-412-2540