747 More Positive COVID-19 Cases, 5 More Virus-Related Deaths Reported

Five new virus-related deaths and 747 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state since Thursday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 36,487 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 541, the state health department said on Friday.

Out of the five deaths, three happened in the last 24 hours.

Two women aged 36 to 65 died in Cleveland County.

One man aged 65 or older died in Creek County. One man aged 50 to 64 died in Oklahoma County. One woman aged 65 or older died in Rogers County.

A total of 3,161 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 621 patients currently in the hospital.

So far, 29,187 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 776 more cases considered recovered since Thursday. 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 Friday morning, 589,091 tests have returned negative since testing began in February.

On Thursday, July 30, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the state plans to use $10 million in federal funding to buy more than one million reusable masks, disposable gowns and gloves, as well as more than 40,000 face shields for school districts. 

He also said the health department and state Department of Education are working on forming a plan to have teachers be tested for COVID-19 at least once every month.

On July 15, 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's Report: OSDH: 1,117 More Oklahomans Test Positive For COVID-19; 13 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.