The total number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has increased to 2,807 with 164 deaths and 1,702 recoveries, leaving 1,105 active cases statewide. Sand Springs has tallied two additional cases, bringing the city’s total to 26 with one death and 18 recoveries.
The state has announced an additional 21 deaths from the virus, but only five occurred in the past 24 hours. The other 16 victims passed between April 14th and 19th. Additional deaths include:
Four in Delaware County; a man and woman in the 50-64 age group and two males in the 65+ demographic.
Four in Washington County; two men and two women in the 65+ group.
Four in Wagoner County; a woman in the 50-64 group, and two men and a woman in the 65+ group.
Three in Tulsa County; a man and woman in the 50-64 age group and a man in the 65+ group.
Two in Kay County; a woman in the 50-64 age group an a woman in the 65+ group.
One in Oklahoma County; a woman in the 50-64 age group.
One in Greer County; a woman in the 65+ group.
One in Bryan County; a man in the 50-64 group.
One in Comanche County; a man in the 65+ group.
In response to Oklahomans asking for additional testing and at the request of Governor Kevin Stitt, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), the University of Oklahoma (OU), and Oklahoma State University (OSU) are teaming up to offer drive-thru testing sites at university locations in the Tulsa metro area.
This partnership will greatly increase testing capacity in Tulsa while providing additional data to assist the state in responding to COVID-19 and minimizing its impact in Oklahoma.
“We are excited to continue working alongside our public health professionals to further our testing capacity,” said Secretary of Science and Innovation, President of OSU Center for Health Sciences Kayse Shrum. “OSU is committed to partnerships that will strengthen our capacity now and in the future.”
OSU and OU have been tremendous partners in working with OSDH to expand testing capacity with additional labs that have proven vital to running an increasing number of COVID-19 tests and obtaining quick results. The state continues to aggressively pursue additional testing supplies needed for increased testing.
“OU is proud to be a partner in our state’s response to COVID-19. Working together to share our expertise and resources is critical to continued success at flattening the curve and protecting our communities,” said Jason Sanders, Senior Vice President and Provost of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
“We are appreciative of our state’s universities for stepping up to help Oklahomans in this time of need,” said Commissioner of Health Gary Cox. “A partnership like this is an example of how we come together as a community to protect and serve our state.”
Local public health officials in Tulsa will assist to coordinate efforts and assure a smooth process for residents seeking testing at these additional sites. For a brief screening and to schedule an appointment call 2-1-1. Updated information on these and all drive-thru testing locations and hours statewide are available at coronavirus.health.ok.gov.
The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 776,093 cases nationwide with 41,758 deaths. Oklahoma is 33rd in total cases (38th per capita) and 26th in deaths.
The World Health Organization is reporting 2,402,250 cases worldwide with 163,097 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Spain with 200,210, Italy with 181,228, Germany with 143,457, and the United Kingdom with 124,747.