OSDH Reports 1,276 More COVID-19 Cases, 12 Additional Virus-Related Deaths

Twelve more virus-related deaths and 1,276 new confirmed coronavirus cases were reported in the state since Thursday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A total of 82,520 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 in confirmed tests and the total number of deaths went up to 993, the state health department said on Friday.

One out of the 12 deaths happened in last 24 hours.

A man in the 65 or older age group died in Garfield County. A woman in the 65 or older age group died in Garvin County. One man in the 65 or older age group died in Marshall County. One woman in the 65 or older age group died in Muskogee County.

A man and woman in the 65 or older age group died in Oklahoma County. Another man and woman in the 65 or older age group died of the virus in Ottawa County.

One woman in the 65 or older age group died in Pushmataha County.

Two women and one man in the 65 or older age group died of COVID-19 in Tulsa County.  

The health department said 12,616 cases are considered active in the state.

A total of 6,192 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus with 590 Oklahomans currently in the hospital.

So far, 68,911 Oklahomans have recovered from the virus with 1,104 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, 1,058,144 tests have returned negative since testing began in February.

On Sept. 8, the state health department said it has begun the transition to include antigen test results to the state's data collection and reporting system. A positive antigen test result is considered a "probable" case, while a positive molecular test result is consider a "confirmed" case.

Antigen testing is a rapid test that can be completed in less than an hour. Molecular tests usually take days before results are made available.

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: 1,083 New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, 11 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.