A Seminole County resident tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Saturday, marking the first case in the county.

“As a result of the positive test the City of Seminole is now under the Governor’s newest and most strict Emergency Declaration,” said Seminole City Manager Steve Saxon.

Seminole is now required to adopt additional safety measures put in place by Gov. Stitt in order to slow the spread of the virus. All non-essential businesses have been ordered to close. Any business with a “social gathering” aspect, including bars, gyms and massage parlors is considered non-essential. Restaurants in Seminole had previously been ordered to close dining areas and move to carry-out, curbside pickup and delivery options only by Mayor Jeff Griffin’s updated Civil Emergency Executive Order that went into effect Saturday. Those restrictions will remain in place.

The positive test came from a male over the age of 65 that was experiencing symptoms Wednesday requiring hospitalization. The test was administered at AllianceHealth Seminole on Wednesday evening and the patient was kept at the hospital overnight for observation. He was transferred to a metro-area hospital Thursday and was still receiving treatment as of Monday afternoon.

“We can confirm a positive test. There are several more that are awaiting tests to return. We cannot emphasize enough that sheltering in place is the best option by far,” said Saxon. “Please listen to the White House infectious disease doctor, Dr. Fauci, who is in charge of assisting in stopping this horrible assault on our people. Dr. Fauci gave a staggering prediction [recently] that should make everyone gasp. According to him, this is not just the flu. For the sake of your friends, relatives and all of our health professionals please take the well-documented precautions.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci told reporters over the weekend that based on current models, he expects millions of Americans to get infected with COVID-19. Dr. Fauci also said he expects the death toll in America to rise to “between 100,000 and 200,000” people.

All Oklahomans are encouraged to follow the Governor’s “Safer at Home” executive order that advises vulnerable populations and those over the age of 65 to stay home until April 30. It also encourages anyone feeling sick or anyone who has been around someone who is sick to stay home and self-quarantine.

Guidelines for all Oklahomans from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) include practicing social distancing, reducing person-to-person contact, frequently washing hands and avoiding touching your face.

If you develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or cough, please contact your medical professional or call the COVID-19 call center at (877) 215-8336 or 211 for assistance. For the latest information from the OSDH, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.