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

Two more virus-related deaths and 295 new coronavirus cases in the state since Monday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 11,028 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 371, the state health department said Tuesday.

Two new virus-related deaths were reported with one happening in the last 24 hours.

One man aged 50 to 64 died in Kiowa County. One man aged 65 or older died in Wagoner County.

A total of 1,288 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 265 patients currently in the hospital.

So far, 7,888 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 240 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 284,029 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: 218 More Oklahomans Test Positive For Coronavirus, No New Virus-Related Deaths Reported

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