Funding provides continued free virus testing in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma State Department of Health is providing $5.8 million to continue free coronavirus testing statewide through the end of the year. The health department has used federal funding to provide more than 2 million free tests since the outset of the pandemic and has conducted about 515,000 tests since November 1st, according to a Thursday news release.

The department on Thursday reported 204,048 total virus cases and 1,836 deaths due to COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

The true number of infections in Oklahoma is likely higher because many haven’t been tested, and studies indicate that people can be infected and spread the virus while not feeling sick.