Okla. governor: Pray for COVID-19 victims
Encourages churches to take precautions
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday issued a proclamation declaring Thursday a day of prayer and fasting for Oklahomans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 1,700 Oklahomans have died of complications of the virus, and 197,745 in the state have contracted the virus since March.
“Oklahomans have always turned to prayer to guide us through trials and seasons of uncertainty, and I am asking Oklahomans of all faiths and religious backgrounds to join together with me on Thursday,” Stitt said in a statement. “I believe we must continue to ask God to heal those who are sick, comfort those who are hurting and provide renewed strength and wisdom to all who are managing the effects of COVID-19.”
Without specifics, Stitt also encouraged churches and other houses of worship to take precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In a news release, he stressed the importance of finding ways to gather safely.
Some Oklahoma health care officials have criticized the governor’s response to the pandemic and encouraged Stitt to take stronger actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The White House Coronavirus Task Force also has recommended Stitt take greater action, such as requiring masks statewide and limiting restaurant and bar capacity.
In recent weeks, Oklahoma has seen an explosion of new cases and recordhigh numbers of patients hospitalized due to complications of the virus.
Oklahoma House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, said she’s praying for a lot of things, including for the governor to take greater action to mitigate the spread of the virus.
“I pray every day for Oklahomans who are fighting COVID and for the medical professionals treating them,” she tweeted. “I also pray every day that our government leaders find the courage and wisdom to do more to save lives and slow the spread of this awful virus.”
Stitt also declared a day of prayer for those affected by COVID-19 in March, mere weeks into the pandemic.
Stitt has been vocal, at times, about his deep Christian faith. The governor and first lady Sarah Stitt started an annual prayer breakfast last year.