Okla. Has 3rd Highest COVID-19 Hospitalization Rate In US, White House Task Force Says

In its newest report, The White House Coronavirus Task Force said Oklahoma has the third highest COVID-19 hospitalization rates in the United States.

They're asking the state to change behaviors and policies, because there won’t be enough vaccines available to help curb the spread until the Spring.

The task force said it tracked the number of new hospitalizations weekly per 100-inpatient beds. Oklahoma is more than 10 points above the national average.

The report said from November 28 to December 4, nearly 3,000 patients were hospitalized because of COVID-19, and new hospital admissions and cases are not leveling off.

The team reported Oklahoma's infection rate ranks 16th in the country and the state is at the highest levels for COVID-19 hospitalizations, new cases, and positive test rates.

The task force is recommending the state reduce indoor dining capacities to 25% and limits bar hours.

"Virus levels continue to increase and are extremely high; activities that were safe in the summer are *not safe now,” the task force writes.

The state health department reports 1,709 Oklahomans are fighting COVID-19 in hospitals, and 97% of the state’s Oklahoma’s ICU beds are full right now.