Oklahoma reports 1,075 new cases of COVID-19, including Governor Kevin Stitt

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For the second straight day, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a new record for single-day increases in COVID-19 cases. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith were among the 1,075 new cases reported Wednesday. Four more deaths have been reported, bringing the statewide death toll to 432. A record-high 561 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized and there are a record-high 5,015 active cases across the state.

In Sand Springs there were no new cases reported for the first time in five days, and one new recovery dropped the number of active cases to 15. Tulsa County is reporting 1,112 active cases.

Walmart announced Wednesday that the company will be requiring masks at all Walmart and Sam’s Club locations, nationwide, beginning Monday, July 20th. According to a press release, about 65% of the company’s 5,000+ stores are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings.

Walmart has created a new Health Ambassador position to aid in the transition. Ambassadors will be located at the entrances to the stores to inform customers of the new requirement. Ambassadors will also be trained to make exceptions in certain circumstances.

The Tulsa City Council is expected to vote on a mandatory mask ordinance Wednesday. The proposed ordinance would require “a face covering over the nose and mouth worn consistent with CDC guidelines when inside a commercial entity or other building, structure, or space open to the public, or when in an outdoor public space wherever it is not feasibly to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household.”

A person in first-time violation of the ordinance would receive a verbal or written warning. Repeat violators would be subject to a fine of up to $100.00. There are several exceptions, however. The requirement would not apply to:

  • any person younger than 18 years of age;

  • any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering;

  • any person who is consuming food or drink, or who is seated at a restaurant;

  • any person who is engaging in a physical activity outdoors and who is maintaining a safe distance from other people;

  • any person who is driving alone or with passengers from the same household;

  • any person obtaining a service that requires temporary removal of the face covering for security surveillance, screening, or a need for specific access to the face, such as while visiting a bank or while or while obtaining a personal care or dental service involving the face;

  • any person in a swimming pool, lake, or similar body of water;

  • any person who is voting, assisting a voter, serving as a poll watcher, or actively administering an election;

  • any person who is actively providing or obtaining access to religious worship;

  • any person who is giving a speech for a broadcast or to an audience;

  • any person performing work in which face coverings present or exacerbates a hazard.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are currently reporting 3,416,428 cases and 135,991 deaths nationwide, with 60,971 new cases and 773 deaths in the past 24 hours. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (39th per capita) and 34th in deaths (39th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 13,150,645 cases and 574,464 deaths worldwide with 185,836 new cases and 4,176 deaths in the past 24 hours. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 1,884,967 and India with 936,181.