OSDH: 482 More Oklahomans Test Positive For Coronavirus; 1 New Virus-Related Death Reported

One more virus-related death and 482 new coronavirus cases in the state since Tuesday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 11,510 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 372, the state health department said Wednesday.

A woman aged 36 to 49 died in Garfield County but the death did not occur in the last 24 hours.

A total of 1,319 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 268 patients currently in the hospital.

So far, 8,144 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 256 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, a total of 286,768 tests have returned negative. This includes state testing and private lab testing since February.

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: 295 More Coronavirus Cases, 2 More Virus-Related Deaths Reported In Oklahoma, OSDH Says

The state coronavirus hotline is 877-215-8336 or 211. For a list of coronavirus (COVID-19) links and resources, click here.