OSDH: 314 More Oklahomans Test Positive For COVID-19; 7 New Virus-Related Deaths Reported

Friday, July 24th 2020, 11:37 am

By: LeighAnne Manwarren

Credit: Associated Press

Seven more virus-related deaths and 314 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state since Thursday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 29,116 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 484, the state health department said on Friday.

Seven additional deaths were reported Friday with two happening within the last 24 hours. The state health department identified six deaths.

Three people died in Oklahoma County; a woman aged 50 to 64, a man aged 50 to 64 and a woman aged 65 or older.

A man aged 65 or older died in Caddo County. A woman aged 50 to 64 died in Creek County. One woman aged 65 or older died in Rogers County.

A total of 2,687 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 628 patients currently in the hospital.

So far, 23,277 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 836 more cases considered recovered since Thursday. 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.

As of Friday, 493,926 tests have returned negative since testing began in February.

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

On July 15, Gov. Kevin Stitt said he had tested positive for COVID-19, making him the first governor in the country to test positive for the virus. He has since posted video updates of concerning his health and quarantine.

Oklahoma reported its first child death related to the virus on July 12. The child was a 13-year-old daughter of a soldier stationed at Fort Sill.

Shortly after the report of the girl's death, state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister recommended for all Oklahomans to wear face masks to allow the safely reopening of schools in the fall.

On June 30, Stitt wore a face mask and "strongly encouraged" Oklahomans to follow CDC guidelines pertaining to face masks.

More: Gov. Stitt Recommends Wearing Face Masks During Update Concerning COVID-19 In State

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

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 877-215-8336 or 211. For a list of coronavirus (COVID-19) links and resources, click here.