Oklahoma reports first pediatric death from COVID-19, record-high 499 Oklahomans hospitalized
/Oklahoma County alert graphic.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 510 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, bringing the cumulative total to 20,745 since the pandemic began. There have been 15,815 recoveries and 424 deaths, leaving a new record-high of 4,506 active cases.
499 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized - the most since the pandemic began. Oklahoma hospital beds are currently at 20.3% capacity overall, and Adult ICU is at 82% capacity.
Sand Springs reported one new case on Monday, bringing the cumulative total to 98. Two more Sandites recovered from the virus, leaving 16 active cases. Tulsa County currently has 1,143 active cases.
The OSDH reported the state’s first pediatric death from COVID-19 Sunday evening. “I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of the state’s first child impacted by COVID-19 since the pandemic arrived in Oklahoma,” said Interim Health Commissioner Lance Frye, MD. “Our prayers are with the family and community as they mourn the loss of a young, innocent life. It is critical for Oklahomans to partner with us in following the latest public health guidance to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable populations. Wash your hands often, limit social engagements, and consider wearing a mask where physical distancing is challenging.”
Commissioner Frye and the OSDH would like to remind Oklahomans that preventive measures - including frequently washing hands, limiting social engagements and wearing a mask where physical distancing is challenging – are essential actions to take as the threat of the virus remains within our communities.
OSDH provides free COVID-19 testing at 80 locations throughout Oklahoma and encourages everyone to get tested. An interactive map of testing sites can be found by clicking here.
“This heartbreaking tragedy underscores how important it is for us all to wear masks when in public, follow social distancing guidelines and practice good hygiene,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister.
“Students need to learn. We want schools to reopen this fall, but for that to happen, it is critical that Oklahomans take decisive actions now to mitigate spread of the virus. Wearing a mask around other people is a small sacrifice for the sake of literally saving lives. We owe it to our children, teachers and staff for them to be able to go to school knowing that strong safeguards are in place for their safety and well-being.”
Hofmeister acknowledged that some parents might find distance learning to be a preferable course of action. She commended many school districts that are providing such options for their families.
“School is vital, especially after the significant learning loss from last spring’s building closures,” she said. “At the same time, we must take every precaution to protect our children and those who serve in schools across this state.”
Sunday’s death is the first in Oklahoma in the 5-17 age demographic. There have been 6 deaths in the 18-35 demographic, 10 in the 36-49 age range, 67 in the 50-64 range, and 340 in the 65+ group.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 3,296,599 cases nationwide with 134,884 deaths. There have been 60,469 new cases and 312 deaths reported in the past 24 hours. Oklahoma is 33rd in total cases (39th per capita) and 34th in deaths (38th per capita).
The World Health Organization is reporting 12,768,307 cumulative cases and 566,654 deaths worldwide. There have been 215,539 new cases and 5,037 deaths reported in the past 24 hours. The United State continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 1,839,850 and India with 878,254.
