County health departments do not have the ability to test for COVID-19 according to a statement released Thursday by the Oklahoma Health Department. In an earlier press conference, Gary Cox, director of the the Oklahoma Health Department said the state only has the ability to test 100 people per day.
Oklahoma's health agency issued the following advice if people suspect they have the virus:
- Any individual who develops symptoms such as fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing and has been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or has recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19 should contact their health care provider or the COVID-19 hotline at 877-215-8336 for recommendations.
- Before going to a doctor's office, call ahead and discuss symptoms. If you are sick with a fever or cough and have a higher risk for complictions from severe respiratory infections (age 60+, have a chronic medical condition or are pregnant), call your health care provider and ask if you need to be evaluated in person. Other people with mild illness who are concerned about their health can call their health care provider to discuss COVID-19 testing and other possible reasons for their illness.
- The health care provider, in consultation with public health officials will determine if the individual meets proper case definition that warrants testing. The testing is coordinated by the health provider.
Other closures and cancellations announced Thursday night include the following:
- Norman Music Festival, which was scheduled for April has been postponed to August 27-29.
- Oklahoma State University announced it is joining other Big 12 schools in suspending all regular season competitions, all on-and-off-campus recruiting activities and practices for all out-of-season sports. Sports that are in-season may continue to practice. Everything will be re-evaluated on March 29.
- Organizers for the Tulsa St. Patrick's Day Celebration and downtown block party have announced all activities are canceled.
