The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 1,475 new COVID-19 cases and 18 more deaths from the illness on Tuesday.
The deaths include four Tulsa County residents, and 14 others in Cleveland, Comanche, Creek, Garfield, Grady, Kay, LeFlore, Lincoln, Oklahoma and Roger Mills counties, all 50 or older.
Only two of the deaths were reported in the past 24 hours.
The statewide rolling seven-day average of new cases is 1,150. The death toll in the state rose to 1,191.
Since March, 109,548 cases have been confirmed in the state, and more than 93,600 people have recovered.
Tulsa County reported 191 new cases Tuesday to bring the county’s seven-day average to 166.
The Tulsa Health Department launched an online platform Tuesday meant to streamline the assessment, testing and contact-tracing of individual COVID-19 cases.
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“Through this online assessment, individuals will be able to schedule their COVID-19 test online and receive their results through the same platform making it convenient for both the individual and our case notification team,” Bruce Dart, executive director of THD, said in a press release.
The platform, powered by Qualtrics, will hasten the Health Department’s ability to contact trace through individuals answering questions that determine current risk factors, including their health, any recent travel, place of employment and possible exposure to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, the release states.
“The quicker confirmed cases can begin isolating, the quicker we can slow the spread of the virus and prevent outbreaks,” Dart said.
Personal health information from positive cases will not be shared with contacts at any time, and the tracing portion of the online program is opt-in. However, those who do not respond will still receive a phone call from a contact tracing investigator, according to the release.
Those interested may go to tulsa-health.org/COVID19 to learn more and schedule a test. The service will soon be available in Spanish and Zomi, as well, the release states.
COVID-19 by the numbers
The data below are current as of 11 a.m. Tuesday.
Tulsa County
Confirmed cases: 20,639 (+191)
Deaths: 190 (+4)
Seven-day rolling average: 166 (-4)
State of Oklahoma
Confirmed cases: 109,548 (+1,475)
Deaths: 1,191 (+18)
Seven-day rolling average: 1,150 (+23)
Active cases: 14,659 (+126)
Hospitalizations: 821 (+29)
United States
Confirmed cases: 8,224,396
Deaths: 220,338
Worldwide
Confirmed cases: 40,514,091
Deaths: 1,120,003
Video: Tulsa launches COVID-19 hazard map
Speaking Sept. 28, Dr. Dart said that "It's gratifying that we have more yellow zip codes that are at risk than orange, and none that are red."
Interactive graphic: See number of active COVID-19 cases by county
Gallery: COVID-19 basics
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
Sources: Oklahoma State Department of Health, Tulsa Health Department, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine
Sources: Oklahoma State Department of Health, Tulsa Health Department, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine
