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OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt on Friday said he has authorized the Oklahoma National Guard to assist nursing homes and long-term care facilities in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

“We are also starting to be laser-focused on nursing homes and long-term care facilities,” the governor said, noting that one-third of the state’s

COVID-19 deaths were in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

Stitt said he has authorized Oklahoma National Guard teams working with the Oklahoma State Department of Health to quickly respond to any nursing home outbreaks.

Medics and decontamination experts have been called up to deep clean facilities and train workers, if needed, he said.

Lt. Col. Geoff Legler, an Oklahoma National Guard spokesman, said the details are still being worked out and that a plan will be announced early next week.

“My immediate response is we appreciate the assistance the state is providing us,” said Steve Buck, president and CEO of Care Providers Oklahoma, which has 230 facility members.

In Georgia, the Guard had a similar mission, he said.