283 New Cases Of Coronavirus; No New Virus-Related Deaths Reported In Oklahoma

The Oklahoma State Department of Health is reporting 283 new COVID-19 cases in the state since Saturday and no new virus-related deaths over the past 24 hours.

A total of 15,928 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths remains 398.

So far, 12,246 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 281 more cases considered recovered since Saturday. 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. Current Hospitalizations have not been updated at this time.

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: 427 New Coronavirus Cases, 6 More Virus-Related Deaths In Oklahoma, 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.