Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared a day of prayer and fasting for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic but has declined to provide a mask mandate, despite pleas from state Democrats and medical authorities.
The Republican guv said Monday that Oklahomans “need to continue to ask God to heal those who are ill, comfort those who are injuring and provide renewed strength and wisdom to all who are handling the effects of COVID-19”
The day of prayer will occur on Thursday, and Stitt contacted Oklahomans of “all faiths and spiritual backgrounds to collaborate.”
The governor likewise asked churches and houses of worship to take safety measures to consist of the virus’s spread and to offer intend to those having a hard time amidst the pandemic.
” I think our churches and faith communities have an incredible opportunity during this season to offer hope to Oklahomans who are having a hard time as we close a year that has been psychologically, emotionally and physically draining pipes,” Stitt stated in a news release. “It is necessary that we continue to discover safe methods to gather as we all do our part to safeguard our households, neighbors and communities from this virus.”
The statement comes as Stitt stays opposed to a statewide mask required, while Home Democrats and health care employees across the state urge him to provide one.
” As far as a required, I have actually been really clear that I don’t believe that’s the best thing to do. This is a personal responsibility. This is pleading with people to do the best thing,” Stitt stated during a November 10 press conference.
Alex Wong/Getty
Though Stitt has actually motivated Oklahomans to preserve social distancing and use masks in public, he desires any choice on a mask required left as much as towns.
But medical authorities, including the president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) and leading health experts from Oklahoma University’s College of Medication and Integris Health, a state-owned health care system, have urged people to use masks.
” Oklahomans help Oklahomans, and today, that means using a mask. I inform you this in all genuineness, Oklahoma. We remain in problem. Our local and state healthcare resources are approaching their limitations,” Integris Chief Medical Officer Julie Watson said on November 10.
A month earlier, OSMA President George Monks tweeted that “we need face mask requireds to secure more of our Oklahoma people.”
” Governor Stitt says he’s asking Oklahomans to do the right thing and secure each other.
In action to the guv’s prayer statement, Virgin tweeted that she hopes “our government leaders discover the courage and wisdom to do more” to suppress the spread of the virus.
Newsweek reached out to the state’s Home Democrats and Stitt for extra remark however did not receive a response in time for publication.
No comments:
Post a Comment