State Health Department Reports New COVID-19 Cases, More Virus-Related Deaths

Three new virus-related deaths and 825 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state since Friday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 43,080 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 603, the state health department said on Saturday.

So far, 35,745 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 744 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.

A total of 3,555 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 561 patients in the hospital as of Friday.

As of Friday morning, 643,560 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 Says 837 New COVID-19 Cases, 10 More 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.