710 New COVID-19 Cases, 8 More Virus-Related Deaths Reported, State Health Officials Say

Eight new virus-related deaths and 710 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state since Thursday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 56,260 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths increased to 786, the state health department said on Friday.

One of the eight deaths happened in the last 24 hours.

Three people died in Oklahoma County; a woman aged 50 to 64 and one man and one woman aged 65 or older.

One man aged 65 or older died in Blaine County. One man aged 65 or older died in Johnston County. One woman aged 36 to 49 died in Pontotoc County.

One woman aged 65 or older died in Sequoyah County. One woman aged 65 or older died in Tulsa County.

Health officials said there are 7,712 active cases in the state.

A total of 4,719 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 559 Oklahomans currently in the hospital.

So far, 47,762 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 576 more cases considered recovered since Thursday. 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 morning, 799,520 tests have returned negative since testing began in February.

On July 15, Gov. Kevin Stitt said he had tested positive for COVID-19, making him the first governor in the country to test positive for the virus. He has since posted video updates of concerning his health and quarantine.

Oklahoma reported its first child death related to the virus on July 12. The child was a 13-year-old daughter of a soldier stationed at Fort Sill.

Shortly after the report of the girl's death, state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister recommended for all Oklahomans to wear face masks to allow the safely reopening of schools in the fall.

On June 30, 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

On April 28, 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. 

Previous Day: OSDH: 712 New COVID-19 Cases, 15 More 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.