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NEW: Oklahoma reports 1,164 new coronavirus cases, bringing the 7-day average to a record high of more the 1,100 daily cases.
The dizzying spike in cases comes amid a sudden increase in the number of current hospitalizations, which jumped to 628 last night.
Oklahoma also reports 14 new COVID deaths, bringing the known death toll to 962 people as the US crosses 200,000 known COVID deaths, the most in the world.
^the asterisk on the above hospitalization chart is misplaced. Corrected below
Testing is up (left), but the 14-day positive test rate (right) is around 8%. It's been bouncing between 8% and 10% since mid-July
From the expert explanations I've heard so far, the current spike is due to a mix of
- Universities and, to a lesser extent, K-12 schools reopening
- Labor Day
- Outbreaks in state prisons
Addition of antigen tests also having some effect, although likely not major
- Universities and, to a lesser extent, K-12 schools reopening
- Labor Day
- Outbreaks in state prisons
Addition of antigen tests also having some effect, although likely not major
We'll get more of an explanation today at 1:00 CT, when Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will hold a press conference at the Capitol with health and prison officials. We'll also be talking to experts more today and tomorrow.
Here is more about those who died, including two people in the 36-49 age range
Here is another way to look at case reports over time in Oklahoma
