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OSDH: Ten Cases Pending for Coronavirus in Oklahoma

Posted at 11:57 AM, Mar 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-09 15:26:40-04

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, there are ten people "under investigation pending results" for the coronavirus in Oklahoma.

This comes after the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Oklahoma on March 6, according to Oklahoma's Governor Kevin Stitt, and state and local health leaders.

During a press conference, officials announced the first confirmed case was in Tulsa County.

The individual, a man in his 50s, recently traveled to Italy, officials said. The man arrived in Tulsa on Feb. 23 and became sick on Feb. 29.

There is no evidence of community spread and the risk to the public is low, officials said.

Officials say they are working with partners across the state and Tulsa Health Department, and others, to make sure they are monitoring travelers.

Officials say they have opened the state laboratory and testing as the need arises.

With spring break approaching, officials encourage travelers to be aware of destinations.

Tulsa Health Department has established a call center that Tulsans can call at 918-582-9355. The center is open through 7 p.m.

According to a statement released by the Tulsa Health Department this weekend, "The Public Health Laboratory at the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has confirmed persons tested from Tulsa County are negative for COVID-19. The state’s lab began in-state testing Friday and will continue to test as specimens are received from health care providers in the state. Results from future testing will be updated here."

The state of Oklahoma now has the capability to test samples in state with a turn around time for most samples at 24-72 hours.

Public health officials are urging citizens practice common infection control measures like hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when individuals feel sick.

The CDC advises against all non-essential travel to China, South Korea, Italy and Iran.

Travelers returning from these countries should self-isolate for 14 days and report any signs and symptoms to a health care provider. All cruise travel to and within Asia should be avoided.

Officials say symptoms of the COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

If you have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread and you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call the Tulsa Health Department 918-582-WELL (9355) or your health care provider for recommendations.

Click here for the Oklahoma State Department of Health's coronavirus website.

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