Oklahoma COVID-19 cases up to 1,327 with 51 deaths and 340 hospitalizations
/Red counties have active cases, yellow counties have had deaths.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 1,327 with five additional deaths since Sunday, bringing the statewide death total to 51 with 340 hospitalizations.
An Oklahoma County man in the 18-35 age range has died, marking the first victim in the state in that demographic. Also falling victim to the virus are two in Greer County, one male and one female, both over 65 years old, a 65+ female in Osage County and a 65+ male in Pottawatomie County.
Oklahoma County continues to lead the state in cases with 279 and eleven deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 249 cases and eight deaths, and Cleveland County with 180 cases and eleven deaths. Creek and Wagoner counties have both surpassed 40 cases apiece.
The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 330,891 cases nationwide with 8,910 deaths. Oklahoma is 29th in total cases and 19th per capita. There are 1,210,956 cases worldwide according to the World Health Organization with 67,594 deaths.
In an effort to prepare for medical surge and prolonged response to COVID-19 in the state, the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (OKMRC) is recruiting volunteers to serve in medical and non-medical positions.
Lezlie Carter, OKMRC state coordinator, said volunteers are needed to serve in multiple capacities, but there is an increased need for those with medical training. Licensed medical professionals may be needed to assist with triage, supplementing hospital personnel, monitoring critical patients, assisting with transporting patients and providing critical care in the field.
“We are preparing for a surge to our state’s medical system,” said Carter. “It is important for us to begin processing new volunteers now so they are properly registered and trained for their role within the OKMRC.”
Other functions include specialty services such as the Stress Response Team where licensed mental health professionals provide behavioral and emotional support at hospitals, shelters, phone banks, community outreach teams, first responders and more.
Volunteers without medical training are needed for warehouse support, record keeping and administrative duties. All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, live or work in Oklahoma, agree to a comprehensive background check and complete the OKMRC training.
Coordinated through the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), the OKMRC is the state’s only medical and public health volunteer program comprised of specialty teams and county units operating under the authority of local county health departments. The program has an established system to identify, train and organize medical and public health professionals, as well as volunteers from the public to supplement and support ongoing response operations and personnel.
The concept of the Medical Reserve Corps was created in 2002 after many Americans wanted to know how to help with the recovery efforts from Sept. 11, 2001. It has since evolved into a nationwide program.
To volunteer or to learn more about OKMRC functions, visit okmrc.org.
