State Leaders Give COVID-19 Oklahoma Update, Say Delta Variant Not Slowing Down

Tuesday, OU's Chief COVID Officer said the delta variant is spreading fast and it doesn't show signs of slowing down any time soon. Dr. Dale Bratzler said fewer than 50% of Oklahomans are fully vaccinated and area hospitals are concerned about the number of people ending up in the emergency room because of the virus.

Dr. Bratzler said there are a number of reasons we're seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases. 

"We let our guard down. Cases fell in Oklahoma. We were down to 99 cases a day in early June. Just 99 a day in the whole state. We opened up, we relaxed all of our mask mandates in communities around the state," said Dr. Bratzler.

He said the data shows the same number of people ending up in the hospital now as in November of 2020. He said people sick with the delta variant are twice as likely to spread the virus than with the original strain. 

"You have to think any person your encounter could be infected. There is no way externally to know," said Dr. Bratzler.

Leaders from a handful of Oklahoma hospitals also urge more Oklahomans to get the vaccine to help with overcrowded hospitals. 

"If you get in a car accident, have a heart attack, need an emergency surgery, or yes, even if you have a stroke there is a chance you might not be able to get the time-sensitive care you need," said Dr. Bahr Malakouti.

They said twice as many people are ending up in the hospital with the virus now versus just a month ago. They said they're also seeing more children in the hospital and pregnant women.

"Many women are scared. Women who are pregnant or who want to become pregnant. As an exhausted mother of two, I would never stand here and recommend a vaccine that had any evidence of affecting your unborn children or your ability to have them. These vaccines are safe," said Dr. Julie Watson.