427 New Coronavirus Cases, 6 More Virus-Related Deaths Reported In Oklahoma, State Health Officials Say

Six new deaths were reported and 427 new coronavirus cases in the state since Wednesday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 14,539 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 395, the state health department said Thursday.

Six deaths were reported with one happening in the last 24 hours.

One woman aged 65 or older died in Tulsa County.

Two women aged 65 or older died in Comanche County.

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

A total of 1,615 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 368 patients are currently in the hospital.

So far, 11,048 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 443 more cases considered recovered since Wednesday. 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 Thursday, a total of 338,511 tests have returned negative. This includes state testing and private lab testing since February.

On Tuesday, June 30, Gov. Kevin 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

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: OSDH: 355 More Oklahomans Test Positive For Coronavirus; 2 Additional Virus-Related Deaths Reported

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