A state official is urging Oklahomans to do their part to contain the spread of COVID-19 following the death of a school-age child from the virus. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said in a press release Sunday that for the safest opening of schools this fall, all Oklahomans must take decisive actions to mitigate the spread of the virus.

The child's passing is the first COVID-19-related death of a school-aged child in the state of Oklahoma. Hofmeister said wearing a mask is a "small sacrifice for the sake of literally saving lives." She also acknowledged that some parents might find distance learning to be preferrable, and commended districts that are providing those options.