The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, continues to spread across Oklahoma, although there are, as of press time, no confirmed cases in Washita County.
As of Monday, April 27 there are 3,280 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Oklahoma, up by 681 (26 percent increase) from the previous week, according to information provided by the Oklahoma Department of Health. An additional 57 deaths were reported between April 19 and April 27, bringing the state’s death toll up to 197.
Health officials have called for Oklahomans to continue exercising precautions, despite the governor’s decision to begin a “phased reopening” of the state.
“Oklahoma continues to experience community spread, therefore the health department encourages everyone to take all precautions the CDC has promoted: social distancing, thorough and often hand washing, and staying home if you are sick, over 65 years of age and/or have an underlying health condition,” wrote health planning coordinator Debra Johnson in an April 27 press release. “As our state and communities begin thinking of how and when to reopen, we encourage every citizen, agency, and business to continue to practice proactive strategies. COVID is not a thing of the past, it is still very relevant and it’s in our communities.”
Testing for COVID-19 is available curbside, by appointment, at all county health departments in southwest Oklahoma while testing supplies last. In order to be tested, people must meet expanded screening criteria which includes at least a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or have had direct contact with a person who has previously tested positive for COVID-19.