COVID Cases Top 25,000

As state and local officials continue to work through the reopening of the state’s economy, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has skyrocketed in Oklahoma. As of Monday, July 20, the Oklahoma State Department of Health has reported 25,433 statewide.

Last week Gov. Kevin Stitt became the first governor in the nation to announce a positive COVID test.

Washita County still remains, statistically, relatively free of the disease, with just 12 confirmed cases and no deaths attributed to the coronavirus. Neighboring Custer County, however, has experienced a significant spike and now reports 112 cases.

Interim Commissioner of Health Lance Frye announced Friday that 15 additional Oklahoma counties had moved from the “yellow” to the “orange” risk level during the preceding week.

OSDH continues to urge people who plan on attending any large gatherings to seek COVID testing both before and after the event. As people become more active and socially engaged in the wake of the state’s “reopening,” the health department expects to see increases in the number of COVID cases. Free testing is available at all county health department offices and the department will continue to schedule mobile testing clinics as appropriate.

A growing number of cities and towns in the state, as well as private businesses, have adopted mandatory mask policies. Debra Johnson, District Health Planner for District 5, representing 10 counties in southwest Oklahoma, urges all Oklahomans to continue to be proactive in helping slow the spread of the disease.

“COVID-19 is still very relevant and is in our communities,” she wrote in a July 16 press release. “According to the CDC, the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is through social distancing, wearing a face covering, washing hands regularly with soap and water, and routinely disinfecting surfaces according to product instructions with approved products. Please continue to consider those in our communities who cannot protect themselves.”