Oklahoma State Medical Association speaks out about record COVID-19 infections

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — TodayOklahoma State Medical Association President George Monks released a statement regarding the record Coronavirus infections.

Monks says it’s time we look seriously at what changes need to be made to prevent further increases in our quickly rising curve.

He believestoo many people are still taking an “it’s not my problem” approach to the virus.

Concluding his statement he urgedGov. Stitt and the Oklahoma State Department of Health to enhance their call of robust safety guidelines for Oklahoma businesses and public spaces that require employees and customers to wear masks around others.

You can read his full statement below:

Oklahoma demonstrated early on we could manage our infection rates through proactive measures. Unfortunately, more than seven weeks after reopening began, most of the positive outcomes made during the early months of coronavirus have been erased by the growing number of large events coupled with a decreasing number of people who follow CDC guidelines.

The public has the information on how to impede the spread of this deadly virus: wear a mask in public; wash hands or use sanitizer often, and conduct social distancing, but too many people are still taking an “it’s not my problem” approach to the virus. Unfortunately, this is everyone’s problem. As we face this crucial tipping point, Oklahomans must decide if we’re going to move forward in the safest way possible or are we going to declare that the lives of those who have died from this disease are just not as important as our vanity.

On behalf of Oklahoma’s physicians, I urge Gov. Stitt and the Oklahoma State Department of Health to enhance their call of robust safety guidelines for Oklahoma businesses and public spaces that require employees and customers to wear masks around others. Furthermore, we recommend all admitted hospital and pre-operative surgical patients be screened for coronavirus.