Health Department: Increase in Cases Due to More Testing

Cases of coronavirus are on the rise around the region, and the Sequoyah County Health Department is doing its part to help stop the spread.

As of Monday there have been 16,362 positive cases in the Sooner State, and Sequoyah County Emergency Management Director Steve Rutherford said the county has 52 cases. Twenty-one of those cases are currently active, he said.

Mandi Collins, the health department’s public information officer, said Tuesday that the rapid increase in cases can be attributed to more testing. She said the state may follow Arkansas’ lead and issue a mask ordinance, but that ruling must come from Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Collins noted that COVID-19 symptoms appear within 2-14 days after exposure to another person who is positive, and those people should quarantine for 14 days after any exposure. If symptoms continue after 14 days, Collins said, it is important that people continue to quarantine.

Adding other preventive measures, such as taking zinc or Vitamin C, has no proven value when it comes to coronavirus, Collins said, adding that the most important thing is to take care of yourself by exercising and eating right. That will help you fight off the virus, along with frequent handwashing, social distancing and wearing masks.

Collins urged anyone showing symptoms such as shortness of breath or dry cough to make a testing appointment by calling the Health Department at (918) 775-2021. Testing is done curbside from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Mondays through Fridays by appointment only. Anyone can be tested, even if they are not showing symptoms, Collins said.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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