I want to give a brief update on COVID-19 and its effect on our state and our House district. As of this writing, there were 879 cases in the state, including 28 in Canadian County, two in Kingfisher County and one in Woodward County. There have been 34 total deaths so far in the state, one in Canadian County.

The governor this week expanded his “Safer at Home” executive order to all 77 counties in Oklahoma through April 30. People 65 and older and those with compromised immune systems are to stay home except for essential trips such as to the grocery or drug store. All non-essential businesses are to close. These include gyms, hair and nail salons and others that are primarily places of social gathering. Restaurants can continue to offer curbside delivery or takeout options. All elective surgeries and other non-critical medical and dental procedures are stopped temporarily.

The governor issued an additional executive order Sunday night, requiring travelers from six states to self-quarantine for 14 days if they come to Oklahoma. The states are New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana, and Washington.

Even those who are showing no signs of the virus, please continue to practice social distancing, staying six feet from others, and wash your hands and surfaces frequently. Gatherings of more than 10 people are momentarily prohibited.

The governor and his task force are trying to determine when the peak of this virus will hit so we can be prepared with enough hospital beds and medical supplies. They are expecting that to be in late April, which is why his orders are so stringent through the end of the month.

I continue to urge prayer for our state, our nation, our governor and the president as well as all who serve the public whether it be in health care, public safety or other critical infrastructure. I believe our prayers are working, and it is important we stay connected to God even more so in times of crisis.

Work is still going on in so many places, though we are all having to work differently than normal. Many are working remotely and learning the art of conference calls.

For me, I am in daily contact with the speaker of the House and other lawmakers, receiving regular updates about the crisis and working on the state budget and other legislation. I’m answering calls, emails and social media questions. I’m still getting mail out and receiving mail sent to me. As lawmakers, we have a job to do, and we will do it at full speed to the very end of this legislative session. We will fund core government services, and we will consider that legislation that most impacts the public safety and well-being.

We are working with the state Department of Education to make sure students’ schoolwork can continue, and we are working with our federal counterparts to ensure businesses and the unemployed are taken care of and that our families and individuals will be provided for through this crisis.

I’ve also been helping connect our local hospital CEOs with private companies that are offering personal protection equipment (PPE), rapid test kits and other supplies to hopefully help relieve any backlog the hospitals are experiencing. I hope to report on this further in the coming weeks.

I know these are challenging times, but Oklahomans excel at helping each other and being strong in times of crisis, I’m reading daily reports of companies that are innovating to help provide essential products during this time, and neighbors that are checking on each other and finding ways to encourage each other. Keep choosing joy. We will get through this and be better in the long run.

As always, I’m here for you if you need anything. I can be contacted at Mike. Sanders@okhouse.gov or (405) 557-7407.