Sequoyah County COVID-19 Cases May Have Hit Peak

More than likely, Sallisaw and Sequoyah County have reached their peak of COVID-19 cases, a Health Department official said Monday.

Mandi Collins, the public information officer for the Oklahoma Department of Health, said the number of COVID-19 positive cases in Sequoyah County remains at 12, with only three deaths. Statewide, there are 4,044 positive cases and there have been 238 deaths. 

Collins said only three or four COVID-19 tests were performed in the county last week, which she said was a positive sign.

As more businesses open up each day, Collins said it’s vital that people continue using safety measures such as wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands frequently and more. She said an increase in cases will not only be possible but will be quite likely if people don’t comply with the recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

“People assume that with businesses opening, the COVID-19 problem is over. It isn’t,” Collins said. “Keep wearing gloves and everything else,” she added.

Collins said the state’s health departments still haven’t received any antibody tests, which can determine whether a person has had the coronavirus and has since recovered. Collins also said that officials aren’t even sure if the antibodies will make a patient safe from the illness. “It just isn’t known yet,” she said, and it will take time to determine the way forward.

If you are having symptoms such as shortness of breath and a dry cough and want to be tested, residents are asked to call the Health Department at (918) 775-2021. You will be screened and scheduled for a testing appointment.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com