Commissioner calls for less restrictive virus testing

Commissioner of Health Gary Cox issued a letter notifying county health departments today that all COVID-19 testing centers and providers are to loosen requirements for Oklahomans to be tested.

“The State, to include the Oklahoma State Department of Health and Oklahoma State University, has supplies today to process 13,000 COVID-19 tests,” stated Commissioner Cox in the letter. “Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, or those who have been in direct contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, may be tested this week.”

Governor Kevin Stitt and Commissioner Cox are asking for anyone with symptoms of COVID 19 or those who have been in direct contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 to be administered a test this week.

In accordance with Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, COVID-19 symptoms must include fever of 100.4F, cough and shortness of breath.

“The State has partnered with six county health Departments to open drive-thru testing locations, and we are working on further expanding this model to more counties,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “The State encourages all health care providers and public health partners to expand the population of Oklahomans receiving tests. With increased supplies and expanded lab capabilities, the State is committed to generating more data, as transparently as possible, to combat the presence of COVID-19 in Oklahoma and to help save lives.”

The drive thru COVID-19 testing locations can be found online here.

Let me further add that both Governor Stitt and I greatly appreciate your work on the front lines of this public health response,” said Commissioner Cox in closing the letter. “Your dedication and expertise is essential to our success.”