OSDH: 970 New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, 12 More Virus-Related Deaths Reported

Twelve more virus-related deaths and 970 new confirmed coronavirus cases were reported in the state since Tuesday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 72,284 Oklahomans have tested positive in confirmed tests for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 924 the state health department said on Wednesday.

One of the 12 deaths happened in the last 24 hours.

Three deaths happened in Canadian County; a woman aged 50 to 64, and a man and a woman aged 65 or older.

Two people died in Oklahoma County; a man and a woman aged 65 or older.

Two people died in Tulsa County; a man and a woman aged 65 or older.

Two women aged 65 or older died in Muskogee County.

One woman aged 65 or older died in Cotton County. One man aged 65 or older died in Johnston County. One man aged 65 or older died in Nowata County.

The health department said 10,334 cases are considered active in the state.

A total of 5,610 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 528 Oklahomans currently in the hospital.

So far, 61,026 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 1,033 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.

As of Wednesday morning, 955,312 tests have returned negative since testing began in February.

The state health department has begun the transition to include antigen test results to the state's data collection and reporting system, they said on Sept. 8. A positive antigen test result is considered a "probable" case, while a positive molecular test result is consider a "confirmed" case.

Antigen testing is a rapid test that can be completed in less than an hour. Molecular tests usually take days before results are made available.

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.

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: OSDH: 1,091 New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, 7 More Virus-Related Deaths Reported, State Health Officials Say

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