Sand Springs reaches 30 total cases of COVID-19, Oklahoma at 3280

The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 3280 with 2167 recoveries, leaving 1113 active cases. The virus has claimed 197 lives statewide, but nobody has died in the past 24 hours. 306 individuals are currently hospitalized. Sand Springs has totaled 30 cases, with one death and 21 recoveries.

The state has currently processed 53,338 negative tests and has more than 48,000 collection kits available. A complete list of drive-through testing sites can be found at this link.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 957,875 cases nationwide with 53,922 deaths. Oklahoma is 34th in total cases (42nd per capita) and 29th in total deaths.

The World Health Organization is reporting 2,858,635 cases worldwide with 196,295 deaths. The United States lead the world in total cases, followed by Spain with 219,764, Italy with 195,351, and Germany with 154,175.

Personal care businesses such as hair salons, barbershops, spas, nail salons, and pet groomers have been allowed to reopen in Sand Springs, with restrictions. They can take appointments only, with no walk-ins.

Beginning Friday, May 1st, dining, entertainment, sporting venues, gyms, churches, and tattoo parlors will be allowed to reopen citywide, all with restrictions. Bars will be required to remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases rise to 2,807 with 26 in Sand Springs

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has increased to 2,807 with 164 deaths and 1,702 recoveries, leaving 1,105 active cases statewide. Sand Springs has tallied two additional cases, bringing the city’s total to 26 with one death and 18 recoveries.

The state has announced an additional 21 deaths from the virus, but only five occurred in the past 24 hours. The other 16 victims passed between April 14th and 19th. Additional deaths include:

  • Four in Delaware County; a man and woman in the 50-64 age group and two males in the 65+ demographic.

  • Four in Washington County; two men and two women in the 65+ group.

  • Four in Wagoner County; a woman in the 50-64 group, and two men and a woman in the 65+ group.

  • Three in Tulsa County; a man and woman in the 50-64 age group and a man in the 65+ group.

  • Two in Kay County; a woman in the 50-64 age group an a woman in the 65+ group.

  • One in Oklahoma County; a woman in the 50-64 age group.

  • One in Greer County; a woman in the 65+ group.

  • One in Bryan County; a man in the 50-64 group.

  • One in Comanche County; a man in the 65+ group.

In response to Oklahomans asking for additional testing and at the request of Governor Kevin Stitt, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), the University of Oklahoma (OU), and Oklahoma State University (OSU) are teaming up to offer drive-thru testing sites at university locations in the Tulsa metro area. 

This partnership will greatly increase testing capacity in Tulsa while providing additional data to assist the state in responding to COVID-19 and minimizing its impact in Oklahoma.  

“We are excited to continue working alongside our public health professionals to further our testing capacity,” said Secretary of Science and Innovation, President of OSU Center for Health Sciences Kayse Shrum. “OSU is committed to partnerships that will strengthen our capacity now and in the future.” 

OSU and OU have been tremendous partners in working with OSDH to expand testing capacity with additional labs that have proven vital to running an increasing number of COVID-19 tests and obtaining quick results. The state continues to aggressively pursue additional testing supplies needed for increased testing. 

“OU is proud to be a partner in our state’s response to COVID-19. Working together to share our expertise and resources is critical to continued success at flattening the curve and protecting our communities,” said Jason Sanders, Senior Vice President and Provost of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. 

“We are appreciative of our state’s universities for stepping up to help Oklahomans in this time of need,” said Commissioner of Health Gary Cox. “A partnership like this is an example of how we come together as a community to protect and serve our state.” 

Local public health officials in Tulsa will assist to coordinate efforts and assure a smooth process for residents seeking testing at these additional sites. For a brief screening and to schedule an appointment call 2-1-1. Updated information on these and all drive-thru testing locations and hours statewide are available at coronavirus.health.ok.gov.  

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 776,093 cases nationwide with 41,758 deaths. Oklahoma is 33rd in total cases (38th per capita) and 26th in deaths.

The World Health Organization is reporting 2,402,250 cases worldwide with 163,097 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Spain with 200,210, Italy with 181,228, Germany with 143,457, and the United Kingdom with 124,747.

Sand Springs with 23 cases of COVID-19 and 16 recoveries, Oklahoma reaches 2,599 cases

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has launched a new city-level data tracker for the COVID-19 pandemic. Sand Springs has totaled 23 total cases with 16 recoveries and 1 death.

The cumulative number of cases in Oklahoma has risen to 2,599. There have been 140 deaths and 1,441 recoveries, leaving 1,018 active cases. There has been one additional death in the past 24 hours, a Delaware County woman in the 65+ age group. 555 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 145 are currently hospitalized with 89 in ICU. There have been 35,561 negative tests.

Oklahoma City leads the state with 405 cases and 16 deaths, followed by Tulsa with 260 cases and 13 deaths, Norman with 182 cases and 15 deaths, Bartlesville with 120 cases and 5 deaths, and Edmond with 118 cases and 5 deaths.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 690,714 cases nationwide with 35,443 deaths. Oklahoma is 32nd in total cases (37th per capita) and 29th in deaths. New York leads the state in cases (242,817) and deaths (13,869).

The World Health Organization is reporting 2,245,872 cases worldwide with 152,707 deaths. The United States lead the world in total cases, followed by Spain with 191,726, Italy with 175,925, Germany with 139,897, The United Kingdom with 114,221, and France with 110,721.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases rise to 2,263 with 123 deaths and 1,155 recoveries

Counties in red have documented cases. Counties highlighted in yellow have suffered fatalities.

The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 2,263 with 1,155 recoveries, leaving 1,108 active cases. There have been 123 total death and 510 hospitalizations. 179 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized and 107 are in ICU.

An additional fifteen deaths have been linked to the virus, but only four occurred in the past 24 hours. The others died between April 3rd and April 13th.

  • Three Oklahoma County men in the 65+ age group,

  • Two in Tulsa County: a male and female in the 65+ age group,

  • Two in Washington County: a woman in the 18-35 age group and a woman in the 65+ age group,

  • Two Wagoner County men in the 65+ age group,

  • An Adair County woman in the 50-64 age group,

  • A Cleveland County man in the 65+ age group,

  • A Texas County man in the 18-35 age group,

  • A Rogers County woman in the 65_ age group,

  • A Grady County man in the 65+ age group,

  • A Caddo County woman in the 65+ age group.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has announced a partnership with the Chickasaw Nation to open drive-through testing sites at their clinic locations in Purcell, Ada, and Ardmore. Testing is available to the public. A full list of testing sites can be found at this link. A valid photo ID is required and minors must be accompanied by an adult. A medical referral is preferred but not required. There have been 29,098 negative tests in the state.

Oklahoma County leads the state with 483 cases and 22 deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 362 cases and 21 deaths, and Cleveland County with 294 cases and 18 deaths. Wagoner and Washington counties have both surpassed 100 cases apiece.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 605,390 cases nationwide with 24,582 deaths. Oklahoma is 31st in total cases (34th per capita) and 28th in deaths.

The World Health Organization is reporting 1,918,138 cases worldwide with 123,126 deaths. The United States lead the world in total cases, followed by Spain with 172,541, Italy with 162,488, Germany with 127,584, and France with 102,533.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases up to 2,184 with 108 deaths and 1,060 recoveries

Counties in red have confirmed cases, counties in yellow have suffered fatalities.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 2,184 with 488 hospitalizations, 108 deaths, and 1,060 recoveries. 28,225 tests have come back negative. There are 1,124 active cases in the state, with 194 individuals currently hospitalized and 107 in ICU.

Nine deaths have been linked to COVID-19 since Monday’s report, including a 65+ Tulsa County woman, an 18-35 Major County woman, a 65+ Mayes County man, a 65+ Pittsburg County man, a 65+ Pontotoc County man, a 65+ Rogers County man, a 65+ Wagoner County man, a 65+ Washington County woman, and a 65+ Osage County woman.

Oklahoma County leads the state in total cases with 474 and nineteen deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 358 cases and nineteen deaths, Cleveland County with 277 cases and seventeen deaths, and Washington County with 118 cases and three deaths.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 579,005 cases nationwide with 22,252 deaths. Oklahoma is 30th in total cases (33rd per capita) and 26th in deaths.

The World Health Organization is reporting 1,848,439 cases worldwide with 117,217 deaths. The United States lead the world in total cases, followed by Spain with 169,496, Italy with 159,516, and Germany with 125,098.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases up to 1,970 with 96 deaths and 865 recoveries

Counties in red have confirmed cases. Counties highlighted in yellow have suffered fatalities.

The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 1,970 with 453 hospitalizations and 96 total deaths. Two Tulsa County men in the 50-64 age group have passed away since Friday. There have been 22,511 negative tests and 865 recoveries.

Oklahoma County leads the state in total cases with 435 and nineteen deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 332 cases and eighteen deaths, and Cleveland County with 264 cases and seventeen deaths. Washington County has surpassed 100 cases and Canadian, Creek, Delaware, Osage, and Wagoner County are above 50 cases apiece.

The State of Oklahoma currently has more than 33,000 COVID-19 collection kits available.

As of Friday there are 158 current hospitalizations with 113 individuals in ICU. The average age of the infected is 56. The average age of the hospitalized is 65.8 and the average age of the deceased is 73.3. 69.3% of deceased had at least one comorbidity.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 525,704 cases nationwide with 20,486 deaths. Oklahoma is 30th in total cases (34th per capita) and 24th in deaths (19th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 1,699,595 cases worldwide with 106,138 deaths. The United States lead the world, followed by Spain with 161,852 cases, Italy with 152,271, Germany with 120,479, France with 92,787 and China with 83,485.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases up to 1,794 with 88 deaths and 790 recoveries

Counties in red have cases. Counties in yellow have suffered fatalities.

The number of cumulative COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 1,794 with 88 total deaths and 428 hospitalizations. 790 individuals have recovered, leaving 1,004 active cases. There have been eight deaths linked to the virus since Thursday.

The state has finished processing a large backlog of private lab tests, bringing the number of confirmed negatives to 22,246.

Oklahoma County has suffered two new losses: a female in the 50-64 age group and a male over 65 years of age. Two 65+ males have died in Osage County. A 65+ male in Creek County, a 65+ female in Garfield County, a 65+ male in Pawnee County, and a 65+ female in Pottawatomie County has also passed.

Oklahoma County leads the state in cumulative cases with 413 and seventeen deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 314 cases and sixteen deaths, and Cleveland County with 236 cases and fourteen deaths. Canadian, Creek, Wagoner, and Washington counties have all surpassed 50 cases apiece.

As of Thursday, there are 186 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Oklahoma. The average fatality age is 73.1 and the average hospitalization age is 65.8. 67.5% of deceased had at least one comorbidity (diabetes, heart disease or circulatory disease, chronic lung disease, liver disease, or renal failure).

There are more than 30,000 COVID-19 tests remaining. Governor Kevin Stitt announced Friday that the state is expecting peak hospital demand to be well within the state’s capabilities.

Modeling authored by Aaron M. Wendelboe, PhD, Justin Dorak, PhD, and Michael P. Anderson, PhD, has identified a peak date of April 21st for the statewide pandemic. They estimate 436 new cases, 22 deaths, 131 new hospitalizations, 915 people hospitalized, and 458 people in ICU on that date. By May 1st they estimate a total of 9,300 cases statewide with 469 deaths.

“Over the past week, Oklahoma has significantly increased COVID-19 testing data due to expanded capacity at labs and more than 80 mobile testing locations across the state,” said Dr. Aaron Wendelboe, interim state epidemiologist. “This new data gave our team of epidemiologists stronger insight to forecast a COVID-19 model for the State of Oklahoma. At this point, we are estimating that Oklahoma will hit peak demand on hospitals, ICU beds, and other critical medical supplies around April 21.”

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 427,460 cases nationwide with 14,696 deaths, an increase of 33,000 cases since Thursday’s report. Oklahoma is 29th in total cases (33rd per capita) and 23rd in total deaths.

The World Health Organization is showing 1,521,252 cases worldwide with 92,798 deaths. The United States lead the world in cases, followed by Spain with 152,446, Italy with 143,626, Germany with 113,525, and France with 85,351.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases rise to 1,684 with 80 deaths

Counties in red have active cases. Counties highlighted in yellow have fatalities.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 1,684 with one additional fatality, bringing the statewide death toll to 80. A Sequoyah County man in the 65+ age bracket is the latest victim. There have been 415 cumulative hospitalizations.

The State Public Health Laboratory has returned 1,519 negative tests, but is still processing more than 12,000 negative results submitted by private labs.

Oklahoma County leads the state with 385 cases and fifteen deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 308 cases and sixteen deaths, and Cleveland County with 231 cases and fourteen deaths. Wagoner and Washington counties have surpassed 50 cases apiece.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 427,460 cases nationwide with 14,696 deaths. Oklahoma is 29th in total cases (33rd per capita) and 23rd in fatalities (18th per capita).

The World Health Organization reports 1,439,516 confirmed cases worldwide with 85,711 deaths. The United States have the highest number of cases in the world, followed by Spain with 146,690, Italy with 139,422, Germany with 108,202 and China with 83,249.

Oklahoma up to 1,524 COVID-19 cases with twelve new fatalities

Counties in red have active cases. Counties highlighted in yellow have suffered fatalities.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 1,524 with 390 hospitalizations and 79 deaths, including twelve on Tuesday. The OSDH has processed 1,479 negative tests but is still working through more than 12,000 negative tests submitted by private labs.

The twelve new fatalities include:

  • Four in Oklahoma County: two males and two females, older than 65.

  • Two in Cleveland County, a male in the 36-49 age group and a male older than 65.

  • Two in Tulsa County, both males older than 65.

  • One in Adair County, a female older than 65.

  • One in Greer County, a female older than 65.

  • One in Kay County, a male older than 65.

  • One in Wagoner County, a male older than 65.

Oklahoma County leads the state with 317 cases and fifteen fatalities, followed by Tulsa County with 293 cases and sixteen deaths, and Cleveland County with 212 cases and fourteen deaths.


The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 395,011 cases nationwide with 12,754 deaths, an increase of 20,000 cases in the last 24 hours. Oklahoma is 29th in total cases (34th per capita), and 23rd in deaths (18th per capita).

The World Health Organization’s Wednesday situation report shows 1,353,361 cases worldwide with 79,235 deaths. The United States lead the world, followed by Spain with 140,510 cases, Italy with 135,586, Germany with 103,228, and China with 83,157.

Oklahoma reports 16 new deaths from COVID-19, total cases up to 1,472

Counties in red have active cases. Counties with yellow outlines have had deaths.

Monday marked the single deadliest day of the COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma so far, with 16 deaths, bringing the state total to 67. There are now 1,472 confirmed cases with 376 cumulative hospitalizations.

The State Public Health Laboratory has currently processed 1,436 negative test results but is also working through 11,000 negative tests received from private labs dating back to February.

Six Tulsa County residents passed away Monday: a male in the 18-35 age group, a female in the 50-64 group, three females in the 65+ group and one man in the 65+ group. A 50-64 female and a 65+ male in Osage County have passed, as have a 65+ female in Adair County, a 65+ female in Cherokee County, a 65+ female in Cleveland County, a 65+ male in Creek County, a 65+ female in Kay County, a 65+ male in Mayes County, a 65+ female in Wagoner County, and a 65+ male in Washington County.

Oklahoma County continues to lead the state in cases with 303 and eleven deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 273 cases and fourteen deaths, and Cleveland County with 203 cases and twelve deaths. Wagoner County has surpassed 50 cases.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 374,329 cases nationwide with 12,064 deaths, an increase of over 40,000 cases since Monday’s report. Oklahoma is currently 29th in total cases and 34th per capita. The state is 27th in deaths and 21st per capita.

The World Health Organization’s Tuesday situation report shows 1,279,722 cases worldwide with 72,614 deaths. The United States lead the world, followed by Spain with 135,032 cases, Italy with 132,547, Germany with 99,225, and China with 83,071.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases up to 1,327 with 51 deaths and 340 hospitalizations

Red counties have active cases, yellow counties have had deaths.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 1,327 with five additional deaths since Sunday, bringing the statewide death total to 51 with 340 hospitalizations.

An Oklahoma County man in the 18-35 age range has died, marking the first victim in the state in that demographic. Also falling victim to the virus are two in Greer County, one male and one female, both over 65 years old, a 65+ female in Osage County and a 65+ male in Pottawatomie County.

Oklahoma County continues to lead the state in cases with 279 and eleven deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 249 cases and eight deaths, and Cleveland County with 180 cases and eleven deaths. Creek and Wagoner counties have both surpassed 40 cases apiece.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 330,891 cases nationwide with 8,910 deaths. Oklahoma is 29th in total cases and 19th per capita. There are 1,210,956 cases worldwide according to the World Health Organization with 67,594 deaths.

In an effort to prepare for medical surge and prolonged response to COVID-19 in the state, the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (OKMRC) is recruiting volunteers to serve in medical and non-medical positions.

Lezlie Carter, OKMRC state coordinator, said volunteers are needed to serve in multiple capacities, but there is an increased need for those with medical training. Licensed medical professionals may be needed to assist with triage, supplementing hospital personnel, monitoring critical patients, assisting with transporting patients and providing critical care in the field.

“We are preparing for a surge to our state’s medical system,” said Carter. “It is important for us to begin processing new volunteers now so they are properly registered and trained for their role within the OKMRC.”

Other functions include specialty services such as the Stress Response Team where licensed mental health professionals provide behavioral and emotional support at hospitals, shelters, phone banks, community outreach teams, first responders and more.

Volunteers without medical training are needed for warehouse support, record keeping and administrative duties. All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, live or work in Oklahoma, agree to a comprehensive background check and complete the OKMRC training.

Coordinated through the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), the OKMRC is the state’s only medical and public health volunteer program comprised of specialty teams and county units operating under the authority of local county health departments. The program has an established system to identify, train and organize medical and public health professionals, as well as volunteers from the public to supplement and support ongoing response operations and personnel.

The concept of the Medical Reserve Corps was created in 2002 after many Americans wanted to know how to help with the recovery efforts from Sept. 11, 2001. It has since evolved into a nationwide program.

To volunteer or to learn more about OKMRC functions, visit okmrc.org.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases up to 988 with 38 total deaths

Oklahoma is up to 988 cases of COVID-19 as of 11:00 a.m. Friday, with 38 total deaths. Four additional deaths have been linked to COVID-19 since Thursday, including three in Tulsa County and one in Cleveland County. 289 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus.

Oklahoma County leads the state with 237 cases and ten deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 175 cases and eight deaths, and Cleveland County with 130 cases and seven deaths. Wagoner, Creek, and Comanche counties have surpassed 30 cases apiece.

Counties in red have active cases. Counties in yellow have had deaths.

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 239,279 cases nationwide with 5,443 deaths. Oklahoma is 29th in total cases and 32nd per capita with 25.2 cases per 100,000 people.

The latest situation report from the World Health Organization lists 972,303 confirmed cases worldwide with 50,322 deaths.

Number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma up to 719 with 30 deaths

The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has increased to 719 as of Tuesday. The coronavirus has caused an additional seven deaths, bringing the total to 30. Greer County has reported its first case and will now be required to come into compliance with Governor Stitt’s “Safer at Home” executive order. There have been 219 hospitalizations in the state.

Counties in red have active cases, counties in yellow have had fatalities.

Oklahoma County leads the state in diagnoses with 192 and ten deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 115 cases and three deaths. Cleveland County is third with 87 cases and six deaths. Canadian, Comanche, Creek, Kay, and Washington counties all have 20+ cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 186,101 cases nationwide with 3,603 deaths. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in the nation in cases.

The World Health Organization is reporting 827,419 cases worldwide and 40,777 confirmed deaths. The United States lead the world in confirmed cases, followed by Italy with 105,792, Spain with 94,417, and China with 82,638. Italy leads the world in fatalities with 12,430.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases rise to 481 with new death in Cleveland County

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma rose to 481 Sunday with the virus making its debut in Beckham, Cotton, and Love counties. A Cleveland County man in the 50-64 age group has passed away, bringing the number of statewide fatalities to seventeen. There have been 153 hospitalizations due to the virus.

Oklahoma County leads the state in active cases with 134 infections and four deaths. Tulsa County has 65 cases and three fatalities and Cleveland County has 60 cases and six fatalities. Canadian, Comanche, Creek, Kay, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, and Washington Counties are in the 10-20 range.

Counties in red have active cases. Counties in yellow have had fatalities.

There are 140,904 confirmed cases in the United States with 2,405 deaths according to the Center for Disease Control. Oklahoma ranks approximately 33rd in active cases as a state and 18th in total deaths, according to a database compiled by The Guardian.

The World Health Organization is reporting 693,224 total cases worldwide with 33,106 death. The United States continues to lead the world, followed by Italy with 97,689 and Chine with 82,447. Italy leads the world in deaths with 10,781.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases up to 377 with 15 deaths

As of Saturday at 11:00 a.m. there are 377 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. New counties with their first cases include Le Flore and Nowata. There have been seven new COVID-related deaths in the state, bringing the total to fifteen.

The seven new deaths include a man and woman in Cleveland County, both over the age of 65, a male and female in Tulsa County, both over the age of 65, a female over the age of 65 in Oklahoma County, a female in the 50-64 age range in Sequoyah County, and a female over the age of 65 in Wagoner County.

On Thursday, COVID-19 testing supplies arrived in Oklahoma that will allow for 10,000 individuals to be tested in the coming weeks. Oklahoma State University is bringing online lab capabilities by early next week that will allow the state as a whole to process roughly 2,800 COVID-19 tests per day. The University of Oklahoma is continuing to partner with the State to expand and bring online capabilities to process a significant number of COVID-19 tests in the coming weeks.

As of March 27, new regional drive-through testing sites are open in four cities in Oklahoma as a result of a cross-country, city and state health system partnership, with two more sites being open by next week in Western Oklahoma. Information about those locations can be found here: https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/drive-thru-testing

Oklahoma County leads the state in active cases with 107, followed by Tulsa with 57, and Cleveland with 46. Canadian, Kay, Pawnee, Payne, and Washington counties all have 10 or more active cases.

Counties in red have active cases. Counties in yellow have had deaths.

The United States now leads the world in active cases with 85,356. America is sixth in deaths with 1,943. There are 509,164 confirmed cases globally and 23,335 deaths.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases increases to 248, two more die in Cleveland County

Counties in red have active COVID-19 cases. Counties in yellow have had a death.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma increased dramatically from 164 on Tuesday to 248 on Wednesday with the virus arriving in Comanche, Craig, Lincoln, Okmulgee, Ottawa, and Sequoyah counties.

Two additional deaths have been announced, both from Cleveland County: a woman in her 90s and a man in his 60s. There have been seven total deaths in the state.

The State Department of Health is advising the public to follow a “Safer at Home” executive order from Governor Kevin Stitt, which tells vulnerable populations to stay at home for everything but essential travel. Vulnerable populations include anyone over the age of 65 and anyone with pre-existing conditions like asthma or heart complications.

Of the 248 cases in Oklahoma, 86 have led to hospitalizations. There are two cases in the 0-4 age group, two cases from 5-17, 43 cases from 18-35, 52 cases from 36-49, 64 cases from 50-64, and 85 cases in the 65+ age group. 129 cases are among males and 119 females are affected.

Oklahoma County leads the state with 73 active cases, followed by Tulsa with 41 and Cleveland with 39. Creek, Kay, and Pawnee are the only other counties with 10+ cases.

As of 4:00 p.m. Wednesday there are 68,440 total cases in the United States with 994 total death. Worldwide there are 413,467 cases and 18,433 deaths.

Governor Stitt announces sweeping business restrictions to combat COVID-19

OKLAHOMA CITY (MARCH 24, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt held a press conference Tuesday to provide an update on the State’s response to COVID-19 and announce amendments to Executive Order 2020-07.

“We remain committed to making decisions based on reliable data, emerging science and the advice of experts from my Governor’s Solution Task Force, the State Department of Health and the CDC on how to best slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Gov. Stitt. These new action items will allow us to ensure we remain proactive in our response to this on-going crisis. We will continue to take the necessary precautions and steps in order to prioritize the health and safety of all 4 million Oklahomans.”

The amended Executive Order provides for the following statewide measures:

  • Issues a statewide “Safer at Home” order for adults over the age of 65 and vulnerable individuals with serious underlying medical conditions.

  • Limits gatherings to no more than 10 people.

  • Prohibits visitations to nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

  • Postpones all elective surgeries, minor medical procedures and non-emergency dental procedures until April 7, 2020.

The amended Executive Order provides for the following measures in counties with community spread:

  • Requires restaurants in Oklahoma counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases to provide take-out and delivery options only and closes all bars in those counties.

  • Closes all businesses not identified as being within a critical infrastructure sector, such as gyms, salons, massage parlors and movie theaters, where counties have community spread effective March 25 at 11:59PM through April 15. Federal guidance on the essential critical infrastructure workforce can be found here: www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce. Additions may be added by Executive Order or memorandum.

During the press conference, the governor also announced the State of Oklahoma is working on a plan to designate hospitals in Oklahoma and Tulsa County to treat all COVID-19 patients. This will occur through attrition.

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce cancels Chillin' n Grillin' BBQ Festival

COVID-19 has claimed another cultural victim with the cancellation of the 9th Annual Chillin’ n Grillin’ festival. The BBQ and music festival was scheduled for May 28th through 30th in downtown Sand Springs.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Chillin’ n Grillin’ BBQ Festival and Carnival is cancelled,” announced the Chamber on Tuesday. “We hope this action will help to keep our community safe and healthy.”

The City of Sand Springs previously canceled the April 18th Herbal Affair and Festival, which also led to the cancellation of OkieSpice & Trade Co.’s Westival event on the same day.

Chillin’ n Grillin’ is one of Sand Springs’s largest annual events and features food trucks, a BBQ cook-off, a beer garden, carnival rides, and more. Previously hosted at Case Community Park, it was moved to the heart of downtown on 1st Street last year in order to provide highway visibility.

COVID-19 Situation Update: 164 cases in Oklahoma, 5 deaths

Oklahoma counties with active cases.

According to the Oklahoma Health Department the number of active cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma has risen to 164 as of 7:00 a.m. Wednesday. New counties with cases include Adair, Bryant, Carter, Creek, Delaware, Osage, Pottawatomie, and Stephens County.

The in-state death toll has risen to five total with the loss of two males: one in his 70s and one in his 40s.

Active cases are split 88 male and 76 female. There are 2 cases in the 0-4 age range, 1 case in the 5-17 range, 32 in the 18-35 range, 34 in the 36-49 range, 40 in the 50-64 range, and 55 in the 65+ range.

Oklahoma County leads the state with 55 active cases, followed by Tulsa and Cleveland with 27 apiece. No other county has more than 7.

As of 4:00 p.m. Tuesday the United States totals stand at 54,453 cases and 737 deaths, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.


Oklahoma Public Schools to remain closed till April 6th due to COVID-19 pandemic

The Oklahoma State Department of Education unanimously voted Monday afternoon to order all Oklahoma public schools to cease operations from March 17th through April 6th due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The State Board of Education met in an emergency session in Oklahoma City to vote on “an order for all accredited public schools to cease operations effective March 17th until April 6th. Cessation of operations to include all instructional services, grading, extracurricular activities, staff development, training, or conferences. Essential clerical and administrative activities such as business management, nutrition services, and maintenance may continue.”

The Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association recently announced that it would be indefinitely suspending all post-season tournaments such as the State Basketball Tournament, but that regular season activities like baseball, softball, and soccer would be left up to the individual school districts to decide if they want to continue the seasons.

The inclusion of extracurricular activities by the State Board of Education effectively ceases all regular season activities, and ensures that the OSSAA won’t be able to reschedule the State Basketball Tournament for at least three more weeks.