OSDH Preparing For COVID-19 Update As New Cases Rise Statewide

The Oklahoma State Department of Health plans to hold its first COVID-19 update since early June amid concerns over the Delta variant.

Health leaders will discuss the state’s vaccination progress Friday, provide an update on the Public Health Lab and discuss a recent rise in new cases.

Recent data showed a spike in new cases at the beginning of July. The state reported 456 new COVID-19 cases Thursday.

State health officials said the Delta variant is the dominant strain across Oklahoma. The rise in cases is among those not vaccinated against the virus.

They also encouraged those who received their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to get their second dose.

OU Health’s leading COVID researcher Dr. Dale Bratzler said the second dose provides 88 percent protection from the virus while the first dose only provides 33 percent protection.

Dr. Bratzler said there is no time limit between dose 1 and 2, even if it’s been a couple of months. According to Dr. Bratzler, being fully vaccinated is the main goal.

Nationwide data show vaccines are effective against all strains, including the Delta variant.

OSDH will provide the update at 11:30 a.m. Friday.