Coronavirus in Oklahoma: State health agencies no longer need approval before hiring additional employees

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The state’s health agencies no longer need approval before hiring additional employees after Gov. Kevin Stitt updated his executive order again on Monday in an effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stitt also clarified the circumstances under which state-level first responders could take paid sick leave.

First responders, which includes correctional officers, law enforcement and fire personnel, have to be under a COVID-19 quarantine or isolation order or be experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus and seeking a medical diagnosis before they can get paid sick leave.

The clarifications come about a week after Stitt made sure first responders would be guaranteed paid time off if they contracted COVID-19.