Top Republicans are still urging people amid the coronavirus crisis and go out to bars and restaurants — contradicting CDC advice not to gather in large groups

Top Republicans took to the airwaves and social media over the weekend to encourage Americans to go to bars and restaurants and socialise in what critics said was a dangerous break from advice from top public health officials to avoid large crowds to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

On Saturday night, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt tweeted a picture of himself and his family enjoying a night out at a crowded local restaurant with the caption "Eating with my kids and all my fellow Oklahomans at the @CollectiveOKC. It's packed tonight!"

He later deleted the message after a backlash to the tweet. On Sunday he declared a state of emergency in Oklahoma in response to the crisis.

Stitt's office told CNN in an email that Stitt's position "has not changed from the instructions he gave Oklahomans on Thursday: Use good common sense, follow the recommended health precautions, protect the elderly and vulnerable populations, but continue to remain calm, live your life and support local businesses."