New guidelines released fom CDC

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On Saturday, Oklahoma reported 4,370 new COVID-19 cases, a reflection of the growing statewide spread of the virus, that was labeled as “alarming” by State Health Commissioner Lance Frye.

It is the highest single-day total of cases reported in Oklahoma during the pandemic that doesn't involve a backlog of cases caused by internal issues with the state health department's tracking system. Bristow, alone, saw an increase of 18 confirmed cases over the weekend and a total of nine confirmed cases on Monday. This brings a total of 421 total confirmed cases since March.

Available ICU beds are quickly diminishing and health care professionals are worn to a near breaking point, risking their lives to continue providing care for the sick and contagious. Healthcare workers and colleagues are fearing they may soon be forced into “unspeakable decisions” if COID-19 trajectories stay pointed skyward. The decision “Who receives life-saving treatment and who won't.”Frye, on Thursday, Dec. 3, issued the following statement regarding new quarantine guidelines released by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Based on new evidence about COVID-19, the CDC has updated their quarantine recommendations for local public health authorities. The new guidelines provide options to shorten quarantine to 10 or seven days in certain circumstances:

• Quarantine can end after day 10 without testing if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring.

• Quarantine can end after day seven if the individual tests negative and if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring.We know that it can be difficult for many people to quarantine for two full weeks, particularly if employment, childcare or other factors do not allow for it. These new guidelines are intended to allow some flexibility while keeping us safe and healthy. Frye said he wanted to stress that it’s still important to observe the quarantine period according to the guidelines to ensure the health and safety of your family and loved ones. I also urge Oklahomans to continue to follow the three W’s, even if you test negative for COVID-19: Wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance (stay six feet apart).This is all part of working together now so we can be together later. I appreciate your commitment to protecting your families and communities and ask that you continue to heed the recommendations of state officials and the CDC.”

Frye stated, “While many of us are tired, I want to enourage everyone to remain strong, and remind every one that we will get to the other side of this. Oklahoman's are no strangers to pulling together in tough times.” “This is still a global pandemic that we must not grow weary of protecting our communities from, especially as we anticipate increased spread this winter season,” Frye said. “If not for yourself, please follow the guidelines for our hospitals, frontline workers and your fellow Oklahomans who may need access to critical care in a healthcare setting.”