Governor Proposes State of Emergency

As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma exceeded 700 on the 1st of April, Governor Stitt is ready to declare the State of Oklahoma to be in a health emergency.

The Executive Order, if approved by the legislature, would be in effect for 30 days, and designates the Oklahoma State Commissioner of Health as the primary office to respond to the emergency.

It also allows local health officers who determine or suspect a person of having the virus to quarantine that person in their home, and imposes legal penalties for anyone who violates their quarantine.

The statute referenced in the Executive Order (63 O.S. § 6804) also provides for District Courts to grant injunctive relief, including temporary injunctions and temporary restraining orders to compel compliance with a quarantine or isolation order issued by a local health officer.

Additionally, the proposed declaration exempts any activated members of the Oklahoma National Guard from the quarantine provison, but invests that authority with the State Adjutant General.

The declaration will be voted on Monday, April 6th,, during a special session of the legislature.