Oklahoma Covid-19 Positivity Rate Climbs Above 11%

Oklahoma City, OK-Oklahoma is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with health officials reporting that more than 11% of all recent tests are now coming back positive. That marks the highest positivity rate in several months and signals the start of another wave of infections as schools reopen and fall approaches.

Interview with Dr. Dale Bratzler

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Covid-19 new Variants: Nimbus and Stratus

According to Dr. Dale Bratzler, Dean of the OU College of Public Health, two new variants are driving the increase. Named Nimbus and Stratus, the strains are spreading quickly in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

“Patients are reporting severe sore throats, fever, coughing, shortness of breath, and stomach upset,” Bratzler said. “The symptoms are significant enough to disrupt daily life and, in some cases, require hospitalization.”

Vaccination Urged for High-Risk Groups

Experts emphasize that people who received their last COVID-19 shot more than a year ago should get another vaccination, especially:

• Older adults

• Those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease

• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Public health officials say vaccination remains the best tool to reduce severe outcomes, even as the virus continues to evolve.