OSDH: 858 New COVID-19 Cases, 5 Additional Virus-Related Deaths Reported

Five new virus-related deaths and 858 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state since Monday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 17,220 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 404, the state health department said Tuesday.

This is the highest number of new, day-to-day cases since the state began reporting daily tallies.

Five new deaths were reported but none were in the last 24 hours.

One man aged 65 or older died in Carter County. One woman aged 65 or older died in Delaware County. One man aged 50 to 64 died in Garvin County.

One man aged 65 or older died in McCurtain County. One woman aged 65 or older died in Muskogee County.

A total of 1,741 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 426 patients are currently in the hospital.

So far, 13,005 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 573 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 morning, a total of 371,798 tests have returned negative. This includes state testing and private lab testing since February.

On Tuesday, June 30, Gov. Kevin Stitt wore a face mask and "strongly encouraged" Oklahomans to follow CDC guidelines pertaining to face masks.

More: Gov. Stitt Recommends Wearing Face Masks During Update Concerning COVID-19 In State

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: 434 More Oklahomans Test Positive For Coronavirus; 1 Additional Virus-Related Death Reported

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