OSDH: 218 More Oklahomans Test Positive For Coronavirus; No New Virus-Related Deaths Reported

Oklahoma saw 218 new coronavirus cases in the state since Sunday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 10,733 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths stayed static at 369, the state health department said Monday.

The state health department identified one death which was reported on Sunday via daily tally. It did not happen in the last 24 hours.

A woman aged 65 or older died in Grady County.

A total of 1,268 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 197 patients in the hospital as of Friday evening.

So far, 7,648 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 117 more cases considered recovered since Sunday. 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 Friday evening, a total of 271,925 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: OSDH: 478 New Coronavirus Cases, 1 More Virus-Related Death Reported In Oklahoma

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