The Oklahoma State Department of Health is encouraging Oklahomans who have attended large-scaled gatherings in the past weeks to get tested for the coronavirus.
OSDH is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 before and after attending large-scale gatherings, even if they have no symptoms, and to continue wearing a mask when social distancing is difficult, according to an official press release.
As expected, Oklahoma’s urban areas as well as a few communities around the state are experiencing a rise in active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to increased social activity and mobility. We continue to have more than 80 free testing locations across the state, and we need Oklahomans to get tested, even those without symptoms, so we can identify active cases and work together to minimize community spread. The Stitt administration and the Legislature prioritized COVID-19 data transparency with our nationally-recognized online dashboard. These daily updates protect individuals’ personal information while equipping local leaders with the best data to make adjustments to local public health guidance if needed. Our agency is well resourced to pro-actively partner with and provide guidance to those changes.
STAY UPDATED: OSDH daily coronavirus numbers, information
OSDH's announcement comes after President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence held the "Make America Great Again" campaign rally at the BOK Center in Tulsa on June 20.
The Tulsa Fire Department confirmed the crowd at the BOK Center for President Trump's rally was just under 6,200.
After the rally, a Juneteenth street party took place in the Greenwood District with a large crowd.
READ MORE: President Trump's rally in Tulsa
OSDH says an increase of coronavirus cases calls for increase vigilance, and the state's testing capacity remains strong. The agency hired over 700 full and part-time contact tracers since March 2020 and will be hiring more.
“Personal responsibility remains key in protecting yourself and our local communities from COVID-19. We continue to encourage Oklahomans to consider wearing a mask, to routinely wash hands, and to use physical distancing measures, which are recommendations set forth by the CDC,” says Commissioner Frye, “As a society, we face a delicate balance of creating a new normal that takes into account public health, mental health, and economic risks. It will take all of us working together, as one State, to overcome the many challenges COVID-19 presents until there is a widely available vaccine.”
For a list of COVID-19 testing location in Oklahoma, click here.
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