Video critical of Stitt's handling of COVID-19 making the rounds on social media
OKLAHOMA CITY — A video making the rounds on social media takes aim at Gov. Kevin Stitt’s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak.
A recently formed political action committee called The Oklahoma Project is responsible for the video and says more are to come.
It has been posted on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
The video has a counter indicating the rising number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state. It also includes statements Stitt has made about the pandemic and issues related to it.
It shows a picture Stitt put on Twitter in March showing himself and his family eating out at a crowded Oklahoma City food hall when medical professionals were advising social distancing, and it mentions that he was the first governor in the nation to contract COVID-19.
The Oklahoma Project “is simply a group of Oklahomans who have lost patience with the lack of public health measures in Oklahoma, primarily because of the governor’s inaction,” said Danielle Ezell, who is chairwoman of the PAC, founder of Heartland Consulting and a former Democratic candidate for state Senate.
People are also reading…
“We know the pandemic is raging and lives are being lost every day and the economy is suffering,” she said. “So this group has come together hoping and encouraging the governor to mandate masks, pay for restaurants and bars to close, and limit in-person gatherings.”
Stitt has put restrictions on public and other gatherings. He has also put restrictions on bars and restaurants.
It was not clear how the state would pay for bars and restaurants to close.
Stitt has said he will not enact a statewide mask mandate in part because he doesn’t believe it is enforceable and is a decision that should be left to local entities.
“The time to act was nine months ago,” the video says.
The Oklahoma Project’s website says the group is inspired by but not affiliated with The Lincoln Project. Formed in 2019 by Republicans, The Lincoln Project worked to get President Donald Trump defeated in his bid for reelection.
Ezelle said she could not disclose the group’s membership, but she said it is a growing group of Oklahomans who are interested in seeing a different direction for the state.
She said Stitt has already shown a willingness to speak out against those who criticize him.
The Oklahoma Hospital Association and Oklahoma State Medical Association both said they are not affiliated with the group.
Former state Sen. Ervin Yen, R-Oklahoma City, has announced that he will run against Stitt for governor in 2022. A medical doctor, he said he is running because he is not happy with how Stitt has handled COVID-19. However, he said said he is not affiliated with The Oklahoma Project.
Alicia Andrews, chairwoman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, said the state party had nothing to do with the video.
“I liked the ad,” she said. “I shared the ad,” but the party did not create it.
Likewise, the video was shared on the Facebook page of former Democratic Gov. David Walters, with the caption “Can Governor Kevin Stitt tell if a line is flat or not? You be the judge. Introducing The Oklahoma Project. More to come. Stay tuned.”
Walters did not respond to requests for comment.
Stitt’s spokesman, Charlie Hannema, said in a statement that “we have no response to a single video with no money behind it uploaded by a faceless liberal organization that raises money for Democrats, and Governor Stitt will not be distracted by those who insist on politicizing this pandemic.”
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
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
