120 More Oklahomans Test Positive For Coronavirus; No New Virus-Related Deaths Reported, OSDH Says

Wednesday, May 13th 2020, 11:08 am

By: LeighAnne Manwarren

Credit: Associated Press

Approximately 120 more confirmed coronavirus cases and no new virus-related deaths were reported in Oklahoma since Tuesday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 4,852 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of virus-related deaths stayed steady at 278, the state health department said Wednesday.

“For the second time this month, OSDH has received no reports of COVID-19 related deaths within a 24-hour period,” state Health Commissioner Gary Cox said in a news release. “While this is a very hopeful development, OSDH is in the midst of rapidly expanding our contact tracing efforts to ensure Oklahoma can continue its significant progress to minimize the presence of COVID-19. As Commissioner, our agency’s top priority is to build and maintain a trusted partnership with the public so that, together, we can continue to conquer this novel virus through proper quarantine efforts, robust testing, and personal responsibility.”

A total of 848 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 218 patients currently in the hospital.

As of Wednesday, a total of 104,275 tests have returned negative. This includes state testing and private lab testing since February.

So far, 3,559 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 136 more cases considered recovered since Tuesday. Health officials said recovered means the patient is not hospitalized or deceased and it has been 14 days since the onset of symptoms or report.

Click here to view the state's COVID-19 data.

On April 28, Gov. Kevin Stitt said anyone who wished to take a COVID-19 test could do so even if they are not presenting symptoms.

On April 22, Stitt introduced his multi-phase plan for reopening the state beginning with plans to reopen personal care businesses on Friday by appointment only.

Oklahoma City and Tulsa started reopening on Friday, May 1, after they allowed their shelter in place orders expire.

Stitt issued an executive order April 2 declaring a health emergency in all 77 Oklahoma counties.

More: Gov. Stitt Declares Health Emergency To Strengthen State's Coronavirus Response

The state health department advises anyone with COVID-19 symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever or coughing to stay home and limit person-to-person engagement.

The state coronavirus hotline is open 24 hours and the number is 877-215-8336 or 211. For a list of coronavirus (COVID-19) links and resources, click here.