993 More COVID-19 Cases, 4 New Virus-Related Deaths Reported In Oklahoma, State Health Officials Say

Four new virus-related deaths and a new single-day record of 993 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state since Monday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 21,738 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 428, the state health department said on Tuesday.

Four new deaths were reported but none of them happened in the last 24 hours.

One in McCurtain County, male in the 65 or older age group. One in Oklahoma County, female in the 65 or older age group. Two in Tulsa County, one female in the 18 - 35 age group and one male in the 50 - 64 age group. 

Related Story: Child Of Fort Sill Service Member Is First Pediatric Death From COVID-19 In Oklahoma

A total of 2,116 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 546 patients currently in the hospital.

So far, 16,635 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 820 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, a total of 419,556 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: 858 New COVID-19 Cases, 5 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.