OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Health officials say four more people in Oklahoma have died from the coronavirus, bringing the total of deaths to 270.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health says that the number of confirmed positive cases in the state increased by 66, for a total of 4,490.
The number of actual infections is thought to be far higher because many people haven’t been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without showing symptoms.
On Friday, Oklahoma health officials announced plans to test 90,000 people for the coronavirus by the end of the month. That's roughly the same number of tests that have been administered since March.
Gov. Kevin Stitt has already allowed barber shops, hair salons, gyms, restaurant dining rooms, bars with food service, stores and churches to reopen under social distancing and sanitation guidelines.
If hospital rates remain at a “manageable level” for the next week, his plan calls for organized sports activities, funerals and weddings, and children’s nursery operations at houses of worship to resume next Friday. Bars will also be allowed to reopen with diminished standing-room occupancy.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.