Coronavirus In Oklahoma: Health Dept. Reports Largest Single-Day Increase

On Friday, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 222 new positive cases of COVID-19, the highest single-day increase since the beginning of the pandemic.

“As people become more socially engaged, we’re going to have an increase in the amount of cases,” said Keith Reed, the OSDH Deputy Commissioner of Community Health Services.

Between reopening businesses, continuous protests against police brutality and racial inequality, as well as next week’s Trump campaign rally; community transmission of the virus is not slowing down.

Testing of the virus ramped up starting in mid-May, according to OU Medicine, and has stalled in recent weeks.

The department’s latest weekly report shows the number of confirmed cases increased by nearly 13% compared to the prior week. Meanwhile, the number of deaths decreased by nearly 28%.

Reed said anyone who plans on attending a protest, rally, or interacting socially at all can help prevent transmission by wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing.

“This is an opportunity for Oklahomans to be a part of the solution alongside us,” he said.

For more information from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, click here.