By K. Querry
As more Oklahomans get back to their normal way of life, health officials say COVID-19 is still spreading in some communities.
On Wednesday morning, data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health shows that the state has had 6,229 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since March.
Authorities reported four additional deaths between March 25 and May 25. Officials say none of the deaths occurred in the past 24 hours.
- A man and woman in the 65 and older age group in Tulsa County
- Two women in the 65 and older age group in Washington County.
So far, officials say 322 Oklahoma patients have died and 962 people have been hospitalized. Currently, 156 patients are hospitalized.
State officials urge Oklahomans to stay away from ill patients and to frequently wash their hands. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
At this point, Americans are urged to practice ‘social distancing’ by staying in their homes as much as possible and not going out into a crowd.
The virus is mainly spread from person-to-person, and symptoms usually appear two to 14 days after exposure. Officials stress that the most common symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
If you do become sick, you are asked to stay away from others. If you have been in an area where the coronavirus is known to be spreading or been around a COVID-19 patient and develop symptoms, you are asked to call your doctor ahead of time and warn them that you might have been exposed to the virus. That way, experts say, they have the ability to take extra precautions to protect staff and other patients.
The novel coronavirus was first detected in China late last year and has since spread to locations across the globe, including the United States.
While the full extent of COVID-19 is not known yet, reported illnesses have ranged from extremely mild to severe, some resulting in death. Officials say that 80 to 85 percent of cases of COVID-19 have been mild, similar to a cold or the flu.
Older people and those with underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes are at a greater risk for a serious case.
Categories: Coronavirus, Local, News
