OSDH Says 1,101 New COVID-19 Cases, 17 More Virus-Related Deaths Reported

Seventeen new virus-related deaths and 1,101 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state since Tuesday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 40,564 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 583, the state health department said on Wednesday.

So far, 33,383 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 1,064 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.

Of the 17 deaths reported, one was identified in the last 24 hours.

Six people died in Oklahoma County; three women and two men in the 65 or older age group and one man in the 50-64 age group.

Two people died in Tulsa County; two women in the 65 or older age group.

Two people died in Cleveland County; one man in the 50-64 age group and another man in the 65 or older age group.

Two people died in Caddo County; a man and a woman in the 65 or older age group.

Two people died in McCurtain County; two women in the 65 or older age group.

One woman in the 65 or older age group died in Grady County. One man in the 65 or older age group died in Kay County. One woman in the 65 or older age group died in Payne County.

A total of 3,445 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 645 patients currently in the hospital.

As of Wednesday morning, 624,166 tests have returned negative since testing began in February.

On Thursday, July 30, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the state plans to use $10 million in federal funding to buy more than one million reusable masks, disposable gowns and gloves, as well as more than 40,000 face shields for school districts. 

He also said the health department and state Department of Education are working on forming a plan to have teachers be tested for COVID-19 at least once every month.

On July 15, 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.

Related: Gov. Stitt Presents State's Coronavirus Figures To Show Oklahoma Is Ready To Reopen

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. 

Previous Day's Report: OSDH: 861 New COVID-19 Cases, 15 Additional Virus-Related Deaths Reported

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