OSDH: 259 More Coronavirus Cases, 1 More Virus-Related Death Reported In State

One more virus-related death and 259 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the state since Tuesday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 8,904 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 364, the state health department said Wednesday.

This is the largest day to day increase since the coronavirus pandemic was being observed in the state.

One woman aged 65 or older died in Oklahoma County but not in the last 24 hours.

A total of 1,146 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 181 patients currently in the hospital.

So far, 6,898 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 133 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 256,528 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.

Related: Gov. Stitt Presents State's Coronavirus Figures To Show Oklahoma Is Ready To Reopen

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. 

Read more: Governor Stitt Releases 3-Phase Plan To Reopen Oklahoma 

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. 

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

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.