Oklahoma Guv Kevin Stitt stated a day of prayer and fasting for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic but has actually refused to issue a mask mandate, regardless of pleas from state Democrats and medical officials.
The Republican guv stated Monday that Oklahomans “should continue to ask God to recover those who are sick, convenience those who are injuring and offer renewed strength and wisdom to all who are handling the effects of COVID-19”
The day of prayer will occur on Thursday, and Stitt called on Oklahomans of “all faiths and spiritual backgrounds to collaborate.”
The guv also asked churches and houses of worship to take safety measures to contain the virus’s spread and to offer intend to those having a hard time amid the pandemic.
” I believe our churches and faith communities have an unbelievable chance during this season to supply hope to Oklahomans who are struggling as we close a year that has been mentally, emotionally and physically draining,” Stitt stated in a news release. “It’s important that we continue to discover safe ways to collect as all of us do our part to secure our families, next-door neighbors and neighborhoods from this virus.”
The statement comes as Stitt remains opposed to a statewide mask required, while House Democrats and health care workers throughout the state advise him to provide one.
” As far as a mandate, I have actually been extremely clear that I don’t believe that’s the right thing to do. This is an individual obligation. This is pleading with individuals to do the right thing,” Stitt stated during a November 10 press conference.
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Though Stitt has actually encouraged Oklahomans to preserve social distancing and wear masks in public, he wants any decision on a mask mandate left up to municipalities.
However medical officials, consisting of the president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) and leading health professionals from Oklahoma University’s College of Medication and Integris Health, a state-owned health care system, have advised people to wear masks.
” Oklahomans assist Oklahomans, and right now, that suggests wearing a mask.
Throughout the November 10 news conference, House Democrats joined health care employees in asking Stitt to release a mask mandate.
” Governor Stitt says he’s asking Oklahomans to do the best thing and safeguard each other. Well, guv, we’re asking you to do the right thing. Safeguard Oklahomans by enacting a statewide mask order,” Democratic House Minority Leader Emily Virgin said during the news conference.
As of December 1, Oklahoma has had at least 197,745 cases and 1,743 deaths because the start of the pandemic, according to a New York City Times database.
The previous week has seen approximately 2,839 cases each day, a boost of 8 percent from the average simply 2 weeks earlier.
In action to the guv’s prayer statement, Virgin tweeted that she hopes “our federal government leaders discover the courage and knowledge to do more” to curb the spread of the infection.
” I pray every day for Oklahomans who are combating COVID and for the physician treating them. I also pray every day that our government leaders find the courage and wisdom to do more to conserve lives and slow the spread of this dreadful infection,” she composed.
Newsweek reached out to the state’s Home Democrats and Stitt for extra remark but did not get an action in time for publication.
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