Okla. Hits New Record For Current COVID-19 Hospitalizations

The State Department of Health says hospitals are treating 1,434 people for COVID-19, another new record.

That's pushing more than half of Oklahoma into the third tier of the state's hospital surge plan, Oklahoma City included. This means 20 to 40 percent of the patients in those areas have the virus.

Areas in Tier 3 are now advised to consider canceling non-emergency operations, however that's not required.

To curb the rise of COVID-19, new restrictions from Governor Kevin Stitt go into effect Thursday, including face masks in state buildings, and new restrictions in restaurants and bars.

One doctor whose challenging Stitt in the next governor's race says it's not enough.

"I would mandate mask statewide for people who are indoors and unavailable to social distance. That is the number one thing, and it would slow this down without question," said Dr. Ervin Yen.

There should be new COVID-19 numbers from the State Department of Health later Wednesday morning at 11.