Oklahoma Governor lifting Covid-19 emergency declaration

(AP) - Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is lifting the COVID-19 emergency declaration for the state. Stitt rescinded the emergency, effective Tuesday, citing data that shows declining new cases and hospitalizations. He noted that Oklahoma's 7-day average of new cases is down 94% from its peak and that hospitalizations also are down 90%. The emergency declaration eased some licensing restrictions for medical professionals and gave state agencies more flexibility to shift funding and employees to respond to the pandemic. The ending of the emergency will also require governmental bodies to begin meeting in person within 30 days.