State health officials report six more Oklahomans have died from COVID-19 and that 628 more were confirmed infected with the disease.
The state’s seven-day rolling average, a metric used to prevent a single day or data point from skewing a dataset, has risen to a new high of 706. Thursday’s reporting, however, was significantly lower than Wednesday’s.
Tulsa city officials took a step back from the health policy of personal responsibility on Wednesday by approving an ordinance mandating mask-wearing and face coverings.
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum signed the ordinance Thursday, putting it into immediate effect.
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“We do this at the request of our hospitals, our doctors and nurses, our school leaders, and so many more who want to protect the ability of local health care systems to serve Tulsans in need,” Bynum said in a prepared statement.
Unless the City Council repeals, modifies or extends the ordinance, it will remain in effect until Nov. 30.
State health officials reported Thursday that 164 more Tulsa County residents have tested positive for the virus. The county’s seven-day rolling average has risen to 157, up from 151 on Wednesday. Eighty-one Tulsa County residents have died from COVID-19.
There have been 23,441 confirmed cases in Oklahoma since early March and 438 deaths since late March.
June and July have seen continuous record-breaking numbers for the new disease. A four-digit milestone was reached Wednesday with 1,075 new cases. Gov. Kevin Stitt was among the newly diagnosed. Oklahoma State Department of Health officials said those who have been in contact with Stitt have been contacted and are following quarantine guidance.
Stitt, according to a Health Department news release, became contagious “no earlier than Saturday.”
“Governor Stitt sought out a test after feeling fatigued and had not developed common symptoms, such as fever or shortness of breath,” OSDH officials said in the release. “He continues to feel good and is following CDC guidelines by quarantining.”
Among the six new deaths reported Thursday were two Tulsa County residents. One was a woman in the 50-64 age group, and one was a man who was 65 or older.
Residents from McCurtain, Oklahoma, Osage and Rogers counties also died from the disease. Those four people were 65 or older.
As of Thursday, 604 Oklahomans were hospitalized with COVID-19 or while under investigation for it. Of those, 247 were in intensive care. As of July 11, 106 COVID-19 patients were in Tulsa hospitals, according to Tulsa Health Department data.
The 18-35 age group represents the largest portion (about 36.5%) of cumulative cases. Those 65 and older represent one of the smaller portions (about 14.4%) of cumulative cases; however, that age group represents the overwhelming majority of deaths from the disease. Oklahomans 65 or older represent about 80% of Oklahoma’s 438 deaths from the disease.
COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, so public health officials encourage people to wear a mask or cloth face covering and to stay at least 6 feet from people who don’t live with them.
Masks are vital when social distancing is difficult. A snug fit that covers the mouth and nose is the most effective, according to public health officials. A cloth face mask curtails the amount of respiratory droplets that escape from the wearer, preventing the unknowing spread of the virus.
Health experts have previously said wearing a mask can also help to serve as a reminder to be aware of social distancing guidelines.
In addition, people should avoid being in group or mass gatherings.
Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use of hand sanitizer also can help prevent the spread of the disease, health experts say.
Those seeking to be tested for COVID-19 may find resources on the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s website, where testing sites are listed by county.
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Interactive graphic: See number of active COVID-19 cases by county
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
How it spreads, who's at risk
Studies have shown many infected people show no symptoms or have symptoms so mild they may go undetected; those people can still transmit COVID-19 to About 20% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 require hospitalization.
The disease can be fatal, especially for vulnerable populations: those older than 65, living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and anyone with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or obesity.
Science of virus spread
COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets produced by an infected person. Spread is most likely when people are in close contact, within about 6 feet. A person might also be infected with COVID-19 after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their face. According to the CDC, evidence suggests the novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces, though that form of transmission is said to be minor.
Transmission between people more than 6 feet from one another may occur in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces, the CDC says, especially where activities cause heavier breathing, such as singing or exercising.
The infectious period for patients can begin up to 48 hours before symptom onset.
List of symptoms
The CDC recently expanded its list of possible symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms can appear from two days to two weeks after exposure.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and will continue to be updated by the CDC. One symptom not included is "purple toes," which someone may experience with no other symptoms, sometimes several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over. The coloration and pain is caused by a lack of blood flow to the toes caused by excessive blood clotting, a late-stage concern with COVID-19 infections.
Kinds of testing
Those getting tested may experience different kinds of swabs. The viral test, known as PCR, involves a deep nasal swab that can be painful.
Other tests that require less-invasive swabs may produce results faster, but with less accuracy. These should not be used diagnostically.
It is not yet known whether COVID-19 antibodies can protect someone being infected again or how long protection might last.
The 'serious seven'
The "serious seven" refer to close contact environments where residents should take extra precautions if they choose to attend. The seven are gyms, weddings, house gatherings, bars, funerals, faith-based activities and other small events, according to Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart.
Treatments being investigated
The FDA has allowed for antiviral drug remdesivir, previously tested on humans with Ebola, to treat more severe cases of COVID-19 in adults and children. Safety and effectiveness aside, preliminary studies have shown it can shorten recovery time for some patients.
After previously approving an emergency use authorization, the FDA as of July 1 cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial. A review of safety issues includes reports of serious heart rhythm problems and other safety issues, including blood and lymph system disorders, kidney injuries, and liver problems and failure.
Convalescent serum therapy
Some patients are receiving convalescent serum, meaning the antibodies made by people who have recovered after a COVID-19 infection. Antibody-rich blood plasma is being given to severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients, including Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, OSU Center for Health Sciences and Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa.
From June to July, requests for convalescent plasma from the Oklahoma Blood Institute multiplied seven-fold.
Recovery, as defined by CDC
To be considered recovered (without a test), these three things must happen, the CDC advises:
- No fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of normal temperature without the use of medicine)
- Other symptoms improved (no more cough, etc.)
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared
Harrison Grimwood
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harrison.grimwood
@tulsaworld.com
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@grimwood_hmg
