COVID-19 cases continue on a decline across the country. As of Monday, the U.S. cases have reached 33,117,656 with 589,893 deaths. Oklahoma is sitting at 45,280 cases, with 1,621 active cases reported. Oklahoma has reported a total of 6,918 deaths while Creek County stands at 6,972 cases and 157 deaths. Bristow is holding its own, staying at 951 cases.
The virus is still here, but because of all the Americans that have gotten the vaccine, the number of cases have declined dramatically.
Still, many Americans are skeptical about receiving the COVID vaccine. The FDA emergency vaccines are as safe and effective as any other FDA approved vaccine. The Pfzier and the Moderna vaccines are quite similar. They both require two doses, where the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose. All three vaccines are highly effective in protecting you from the virus. All three vaccines will help significantly to reduce your chances of getting seriously ill or dying from the virus.
Individuals are fully protected two weeks after they have received their first dose of Johnson & Johnson or after the second dose of Pfzier of Moderna. Shots are purchased with U.S. tax dollars and are provided to Americans free of charge.
The CDC still advises that fully vaccinated people can omit wearing masks if visiting small groups of other fully vaccinated people indoors or if visiting with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk of severe COVID-19 disease.
If you choose to gather with a number of people who have not been vaccinated, it is advised that you continue to wear a mask, wash your hands and watch you distance. The Oklahoma State Health Department recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, continue to follow the three W's in public areas.