OSDH: 299 More Oklahomans Test Positive For Coronavirus; 7 New Virus-Related Deaths

The Oklahoma State Department of Health is reporting seven more virus-related deaths and 299 new coronavirus cases in the state since Friday

A total of 12,642 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 384, the state health department said Saturday morning.

Friday's Story: OSDH: 395 More Oklahomans Test Positive For Coronavirus; 2 New Virus-Related Deaths

Seven more deaths were reported but none were in the last 24 hours.

1. One in Tulsa County, a female in the 50-64 age group. One in Caddo County, a male in the 50-64 age group.
2. One in McCurtain County, a male in the 65 and older age group.
3. Two in Muskogee County, a male in the 65 and older age group and a female in the 65 and older age group.
4. One in Wagoner County, a male in the 65 and older age group.
5. One in Washington County, a female in the 65 and older age group.

A total of 1,440 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 329 patients currently in the hospital, a rise of 21 since Friday's report. So far, 9,155 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 338 more cases considered recovered since Friday. 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 Saturday a total of 327,683 tests have returned negative. This includes state testing and private lab testing since February.

Dr. Dale Bratzler, the chief COVID officer for the University of Oklahoma said the recent increase in cases can’t be attributed to testing. In recent weeks, the number of tests performed have slightly increased, but are still significantly larger than amounts from April.

“I don’t think it’s related to testing at all, I think we’re seeing more community spread of this virus,” Bratzler. “This is exponential growth now.”

More: Watch: Dr. Bratzler On Why Oklahoma No Longer Meets COVID-19 Requirements To Reopen

On April 28, Gov. Kevin 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. 

Related: 438 More Oklahomans Test Positive For Coronavirus; 3 New Virus-Related Deaths Reported, OSDH Says

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