228 More Oklahomans Test Positive For Coronavirus; 4 Additional Virus-Related Deaths Reported, OSDH Says

Tuesday, June 16th 2020, 11:01 am

By: LeighAnne Manwarren

Four more virus-related deaths and 228 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the state, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 8,645 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths remained static at 363, the state health department said Tuesday.

This is the fifth day in a row where more than 150 cases were reported in the state's day by day tally.

Four deaths were reported between June 7 to 14.

Two deaths were reported in Tulsa County; a man aged 18 to 35 and a man aged 65 or older.

One woman aged 50 to 64 died in Grady County. A man aged 65 or older died in Washington County.

A total of 1,130 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 172 patients currently in the hospital.

So far, 6,765 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 137 more cases considered recovered since Monday. 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 Tuesday, a total of 253,160 tests have returned negative. This includes state testing and private lab testing since February.

Click here to view the state's COVID-19 data.

Officials said the rise in cases was expected as the state reopened but some health officials said the spike in new cases is alarming.

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.

On April 22, Stitt introduced his multi-phase plan for reopening the state beginning with plans to reopen personal care businesses on Friday by appointment only.

Oklahoma health officials and Stitt said the coronavirus data was trending downward and was safe to proceed to phase 3 of the reopening plan on June 1.

More: Oklahoma To Begin Phase 3 Of 'Open Up & Recover Safely' Plan

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.

The state coronavirus hotline is open 24 hours and the number is 877-215-8336 or 211. For a list of coronavirus (COVID-19) links and resources, click here.