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By BWST Staff
A Tulsa area man in his 50s has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus after returning from a trip to Italy. This is the first case of the deadly virus in the state of Oklahoma.
Governor Stitt announced the news in a press conference this afternoon.
The man arrived back home on February 23rd and began showing symptoms on February 29th, when he sought medical support.
Gov. Stitt said that the man and his family have been quarantined in their home.
Stitt assured Oklahomans that the state “is well-positioned to monitor the developing situation”, adding that officials will deploy assets as needed.
The Centers for Disease Control encourages individuals to frequently wash their hands and avoid going to work, school or out in public if they begin experiencing symptoms.
The agency asks that individuals who believe they may have contracted the virus to contact their medical professional ahead of time to schedule an immediate appointment, allowing their doctor to effectively prepare and help prevent the spread of the disease.
The rapid spread of the virus has caused panic, with stock market being thrust into volatility and large conferences like SXSW being canceled, even as officials ask the public to remain calm.
For more information on how to prevent the spread of the virus and recognize symptoms, click here.