COVID Pandemic Worsens Across Oklahoma, Nation

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The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Oklahoma continued to rise last week, with 5,916 new cases reported between July 27 and Aug. 3, bringing the state’s total number of cases to 38,602. Five hundred fifty-one deaths in the state have been attributed to the virus. Nationally, more than 4.5 million cases have been confirmed, with 154,860 deaths.

In Washita County, the number of confirmed cases increased by 33 percent during the past week. As of Monday, Aug. 3, 24 cases had been confirmed in the county, as compared to 18 one week prior. Washita County remains in the “low risk” or yellow zone on the state’s color-coded risk map. Other counties around Washita which also remain in the yellow zone include Comanche, Kiowa, Greer, and Beckham. Beckham County recorded its first coronavirus-related fatality as well last week, a man in the 65+ age group.

Caddo, Custer, Roger Mills, Tillman, Jackson, and Harmon counties are all in the “moderate risk” or orange zone.

Despite the continued spread of the virus, the Oklahoma State Board of Education declined to heed the recommendations of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Joy Hofmeister, and impose safety requirements on public schools throughout the state. Most Oklahoma public schools are set to reopen their buildings for in-person instruction later this month, including Cordell.

“Today’s vote is very disappointing and one that likely will stoke more concerns for teachers, parents and families with a new school year only weeks away,” Hofmeister said after the July 23 vote. “We all realize how important it is for schools to reopen. But we are in the midst of a global pandemic with COVID-19 cases sharply rising in our state. I believe it entirely appropriate that the State Board establish a floor of recommended and required protocols to ensure a safer environment for all in the school community – teachers, staff and students. Now that the board has made its decision, we strongly urge districts across the state to do the right thing and demonstrate the ‘Oklahoma Standard’ by masking up and following social distancing guidelines. In the meantime, the Oklahoma State Department of Education will continue working to secure the PPE our schools need.”

Last week Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the state will be using $10 million in federal funding to purchase personal protective equipment for Oklahoma schools. The equipment includes masks, face shields, gloves and gowns, and is expected to be delivered to all schools on or before Aug. 14.