Health Department Urges Vigilance To Mitigate Potential Spread Of Virus
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Source: Oklahoma State Department of Health
In the wake of Oklahoma’s “reopening” from the coronavirus pandemic, the state continues to see record-breaking levels of new confirmed cases of the disease. During the past week, 2,316 new cases have been confirmed, bringing the state’s total to 10,733 as of June 22, 2020.
Lance Frye, M.D., the state’s interim health commissioner, said the increase was something the Stitt Administration expected after implementing its plan to reopen Oklahoma’s businesses.
“As expected, Oklahoma’s urban areas as well as a few communities around the state are experiencing a rise in active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to increased social activity and mobility,” he said in a June 21 press release. “We continue to have more than 80 free testing locations across the state, and we need Oklahomans to get tested, even those without symptoms, so we can identify active cases and work together to minimize community spread.”
Confirmed cases also jumped in southwest Oklahoma, with the District Five office the county health departments reporting 704 cases in the 10-county district as of June 22. The June 15 report listed 657 confirmed cases in the district. Washita County, as of June 22, had just three confirmed cases and no deaths reported from the disease.
The local county health departments are offering free curbside COVID testing at all county health locations. Those locations include Elk City, Sayre, Anadarko, Lawton, Walters, Mangum, Hollis, Altus, Hobart, and Frederick. Those seeking tests are asked to contact the local office to schedule an appointment before going in for a test.
Frye said personal responsibility is the key to preventing further spread of the virus.
“Personal responsibility remains key in protecting yourself and our local communities from COVID-19,” he said. “We continue to urge Oklahomans to consider wearing a mask, to routintely wash hands, and to use physical distancing measures, which are recommendations set forth by the CDC. As a society we face a delicate balance of creating a new normal that takes into account public health, mental health, and economic risks. It will take all of us working together, as one state, to overcome the many challenges COVID-19 presents until there is a widely available vaccine.”