OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt said Wednesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first nation’s governor to contract the virus but remaining steadfast against a mask mandate.
The news comes the same day the state recorded 1,075 new cases, a record for a single day. Wednesday marked the first day that Oklahoma's daily new case count exceeded 1,000. There have been 22,813 confirmed cases of the disease since early March.
“I feel fine,” Stitt said, adding he was just a little achy. “I was pretty shocked that I was the first governor to get it.”
He said he is basically asymptomatic.
Stitt said he got his positive test result around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Stitt earlier that day had chaired a meeting of the Commissioners of the Land Office.
Three of the five members and Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, met in executive session to discuss a new leader for the agency.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, flanked by Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur (left) and Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, vote to hire former energy company executive Elliot Chambers as new secretary of the Land Office in a meeting at the Oklahoma Capitol on July 14. (PAUL MONIES/Oklahoma Watch)
The governor was asked Wednesday about the meeting, where Stitt did not wear a mask.
McBride on Wednesday said he has canceled his upcoming events and plans to get tested.
The other two members were Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur.
In a Facebook post, Pinnell said he would be retested for COVID-19 and would continue quarantining and working from home until he has results. He reported having no symptoms currently.
"No one in Oklahoma can say they don’t know anyone who has had it," Pinnell said in his post. "We all know someone now and it should absolutely be taken seriously."
Arthur was notified Tuesday during the contact tracing process and is quarantining and working remotely, according to the Governor's Office.
Stitt's office was asked for his schedule for the last two weeks. Baylee Lakey, a spokeswoman, said the request would have to be processed under the Oklahoma Open Records Act. Stitt's office has been slow to respond to requests under the act.
Gov. Kevin Stitt on July 2 signed a tribal gaming compact with the Kialegee Tribal Town.
Stitt's office was asked if other members of his staff or Cabinet have tested positive.
"As a general rule, we do not comment on the personal health information of anyone without their permission," said Charlie Hannema, a Stitt spokesman. "I can tell you that we are not aware of anyone who has been in close contact with the governor in recent days testing positive, but that is about as specific as I'm able to go to protect their privacy now or in the future."
Stitt said he was "not thinking about a mask mandate at all."
“I am just hesitant to mandate something that is problematic to enforce,” the governor said.
He said his wife and six children have tested negative for the virus.
Stitt said he will be quarantining at home and conducting more meetings by videoconference.
He said he does not second-guess his personal choices not to wear a mask despite testing positive.
Gov. Kevin Stitt met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on July 3.
Stitt on June 20 attended a campaign rally in Tulsa at the BOK Center for President Donald Trump.
The event attracted at least 6,200 people to the facility, which has 19,000 seats.
The majority of people in attendance were not wearing masks. The state’s Republican Congressional delegation, some of whom wore masks, attended.
Gov. Kevin Stitt at President Trump’s rally in Tulsa on June 20. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World
Meanwhile, a Tulsa Vietnamese restaurant where Stitt reportedly dined last week is closing until further notice after learning that Stitt tested positive.
Kai, 201 W. Fifth St., made the announcement on social media Wednesday morning.
"He (Stitt) visited our establishment last week and we want to be proactive and shut down to get the staff tested and get our restaurant professionally disinfected," the restaurant posted on Facebook.
Stitt also attended the funeral service last week for Tulsa police Sgt. Craig Johnson, who died after being shot during a traffic stop on June 30.
Stitt was asked Wednesday whether his exposure likely came from the Trump rally, where he did not wear a mask. Stitt and Health Commissioner Lance Frye said the event was too long ago, adding that the exposure could have been at any point in the past two weeks.
Stitt it is way too “premature” to talk about closing down again, adding that Oklahoma has plenty of hospital beds and equipment available.
Some states seeing significant spikes after reopening are returning to restrictions on certain businesses and activities.
Stitt said he would not attempt a guess as to where he contracted the virus.
Stitt said adjusting to the presence of the virus is the new normal, adding that it could be around for the next 24 months or until a cure or vaccine is available.
Oklahomans will need to adjust their behavior until that time, Stitt said.
He said Americans and Oklahomans do not want to “bunker in place” for the next couple of months.
Stitt in March faced backlash on social media after he posted a picture of himself and what is believed to be two of his six children at an Oklahoma City food hall.
The tweet, later deleted, said “Eating with my kids and all my fellow Oklahomans @CollectiveOKC. It’s packed tonight!” with the hashtag “supportlocal.”
The tweet came at a time when medical experts were recommending social distancing.
Great to be on the phone with @VP to discuss the latest updates on #COVID19 in our nation.
— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) July 13, 2020
We still need all Oklahomans to do their part to slow the spread of this virus. Please take personal responsibility to protect yourself, your family, & our most vulnerable from this virus. pic.twitter.com/1TaRKTOY89
Gallery: COVID-19 basics
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
How it spreads, who's at risk
Studies have shown many infected people show no symptoms or have symptoms so mild they may go undetected; those people can still transmit COVID-19 to About 20% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 require hospitalization.
The disease can be fatal, especially for vulnerable populations: those older than 65, living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and anyone with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or obesity.
Science of virus spread
COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets produced by an infected person. Spread is most likely when people are in close contact, within about 6 feet. A person might also be infected with COVID-19 after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their face. According to the CDC, evidence suggests the novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces, though that form of transmission is said to be minor.
Transmission between people more than 6 feet from one another may occur in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces, the CDC says, especially where activities cause heavier breathing, such as singing or exercising.
The infectious period for patients can begin up to 48 hours before symptom onset.
List of symptoms
The CDC recently expanded its list of possible symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms can appear from two days to two weeks after exposure.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and will continue to be updated by the CDC. One symptom not included is "purple toes," which someone may experience with no other symptoms, sometimes several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over. The coloration and pain is caused by a lack of blood flow to the toes caused by excessive blood clotting, a late-stage concern with COVID-19 infections.
Kinds of testing
Those getting tested may experience different kinds of swabs. The viral test, known as PCR, involves a deep nasal swab that can be painful.
Other tests that require less-invasive swabs may produce results faster, but with less accuracy. These should not be used diagnostically.
It is not yet known whether COVID-19 antibodies can protect someone being infected again or how long protection might last.
The 'serious seven'
The "serious seven" refer to close contact environments where residents should take extra precautions if they choose to attend. The seven are gyms, weddings, house gatherings, bars, funerals, faith-based activities and other small events, according to Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart.
Treatments being investigated
The FDA has allowed for antiviral drug remdesivir, previously tested on humans with Ebola, to treat more severe cases of COVID-19 in adults and children. Safety and effectiveness aside, preliminary studies have shown it can shorten recovery time for some patients.
After previously approving an emergency use authorization, the FDA as of July 1 cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial. A review of safety issues includes reports of serious heart rhythm problems and other safety issues, including blood and lymph system disorders, kidney injuries, and liver problems and failure.
Convalescent serum therapy
Some patients are receiving convalescent serum, meaning the antibodies made by people who have recovered after a COVID-19 infection. Antibody-rich blood plasma is being given to severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients, including Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, OSU Center for Health Sciences and Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa.
From June to July, requests for convalescent plasma from the Oklahoma Blood Institute multiplied seven-fold.
Recovery, as defined by CDC
To be considered recovered (without a test), these three things must happen, the CDC advises:
- No fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of normal temperature without the use of medicine)
- Other symptoms improved (no more cough, etc.)
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared
Barbara Hoberock
Capitol Bureau Writer
I have covered the Oklahoma Legislature since 1994. I cover politics, appellate courts, state agencies and the governor. I have worked for the Tulsa World since 1990. Phone: 405-528-2465
