Oklahoma Reported coronavirus cases surpass 58,000

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The number of reported coronavirus cases in Oklahoma has surpassed 58,000 and the number of related deaths is nearly 800, the Oklahoma State Department of Health said Sunday.

There are now 58,020 reported cases and 799 deaths due to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, increases of 667 cases and two additional deaths, The true number of cases in Oklahoma is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

On Friday, Gov. Kevin Stitt extended a state of emergency first issued March 15 in response to the virus outbreak in Oklahoma.

The order includes all 77 counties in the state and activates a provision in state law that allows absentee voters to mail their ballots by verify their signatures with a copy of an approved identification.

An approved ID includes a state driver’s license or a military or federally recognized Indian tribe or nation.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.