Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said Wednesday that he tested positive for coronavirus, making him the first governor to contract COVID-19.

“I got tested yesterday for COVID-19 and the results came back positive,” Stitt, 47, said during a virtual press conference. “I want to use my story to remind Oklahomans that if you aren't feeling well, we want you to get tested.”

As of Wednesday, Oklahoma has 22,731 confirmed cases and 432 reported deaths from coronavirus.

Oklahoma has been one of many states experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases over the last month, with Tulsa emerging as one of the state’s biggest hotspots. The Tulsa uptick began shortly after President Trump’s campaign rally meant to kick-off his reelection bid.

Stitt was at the event and not wearing a mask. He downplayed its part in his contracting coronavirus.

“I don't think there was any way it was at the President's rally,” Stitt said. “It's too long ago.”

This point was reiterated by Oklahoma Health Commissioner Lance Frye, who also said the rally was too “far back” for it to have been the source of Stitt’s infection.

Despite his own diagnosis, Stitt said he was still against the idea of imposing mask mandates or to pause reopening despite the state’s rising number of cases.

“We respect people’s rights ... to not wear a mask. You just open up a big can of worms,” Stitt said. “A lot of businesses are requiring it, and that’s fine. I’m just hesitant to mandate something that I think is problematic to enforce.”