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Oklahoma governor confirms state's first COVID-19 case in Tulsa County

Posted at 3:08 PM, Mar 06, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-06 18:08:37-05

TULSA COUNTY, Okla. -- The first case of new coronavirus has been confirmed in Oklahoma, according to Oklahoma's Governor Kevin Stitt, and state and local health leaders.

During a press conference on Friday, officials announced the first confirmed case was in Tulsa County.

The individual, a man in his 50s, recently traveled to Italy, officials say. The man arrived in Tulsa on Feb. 23 and became sick on Feb. 29, officials say.

There is no evidence of community spread and the risk to the public is low, officials say.

As of Friday morning, there were still two people in the state under investigation pending results on the virus, which causes COVID-19, according to Oklahoma State Department of Health's website.

Officials say they are working with partners across the state, the Tulsa Health Department and others to make sure they are monitoring travelers.

As of Friday morning, officials say they have opened the state laboratory and testing as the need arises.

With spring break approaching, officials encourage travelers to be aware of destinations.

The Tulsa Health Department has established a call center Tulsans can call at 918-595-9355, the center is open through 7 p.m.

The coronavirus outbreak globally has now killed more than 3,400 people.

Officials say symptoms of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) are: fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Health officials are advising any travelers returning from China to get screened.

Click here to learn more about COVID-19.

This story was originally published by staff at KJRH.