Confirmed Cases in Blaine County: Your COVID-19 Updates

Deaths in Oklahoma From Virus Slump

The daily news update May 5 from the Oklahoma State Department of Health noted that there were 4,127 confirmed cases of the Covid-19 virus in the state. Blaine County finally made its way onto the list with a case confirmed in Greenfield zip code. A second positive has been registered in the Okeene zip code according to emergency management. There were no new deaths attributed to the virus reported for two days, with nine reported in the past 24 hours. There have been 247 deaths statewide to date.

The Friday update was given by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who hinted on a Fox News interview school sports programs and camps may be allowed to open in June. The administration, Stitt said, was also kicking around the idea of opening schools earlier this year and making sure there is a virtual learning plan in place in case of a fall rebound in virus cases.

Nationally, there are 1.18 million confirmed cases and 68,922 deaths. Across the globe, surveys show 3.5 million cases and 248,169 deaths.

In Oklahoma, the state is beginning to ease its restrictions on businesses considered non-essential. Restaurant dining rooms began serving customers on Friday, as did some retailers. Oddly enough, very few of the movie theaters around the state lit up their screens, although it was permitted.

Salons, barber shops and hairdressers were swamped as clients made up for lost time and got caught up on nails, cuts and curls, but not on gossip. Those businesses were restricted to a single client at a time, and operators were required to wear masks and take temperatures of each customer.

Social distancing remains the order of the day, with residents reminded to remain six feet away from people other than their own household. Those who are medically vulnerable or over 65 are still encouraged to remain at home other than for required outings to doctor, pharmacy or grocery stores and nonessential travel is still highly discouraged.

For more information log on to coronavirus.health.ok.us

Connie Burcham can be reached at Editor@WatongaRepublican.com