Earlier this week, the first positive case of COVID-19 in Seminole County was reported. On Thursday morning, that patient passed away due to complications with the virus.

The patient was a male over the age of 65 that was experiencing symptoms requiring hospitalization on Wednesday, March 25. The test was administered at AllianceHealth Seminole on Wednesday evening and the patient was kept at the hospital overnight for observation. He was transferred to a metro-area hospital on Thursday, March 26, and was receiving treatment at the hospital for the past week.

A positive test for the virus was confirmed in the patient on Saturday, March 29, marking the first case in the county. Urgent care workers that came into contact with the patient in Seminole were placed on a 14-day quarantine as a precaution to monitor for symptoms.

As of 7 a.m. on April 2, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) had not confirmed any additional cases of COVID-19 in Seminole County.

The City of Seminole expanded the Civil Emergency Executive Order last Friday to further prevent the spread of the virus in the city, and Gov. Stitt declared a health emergency Thursday morning to help protect at-risk populations and first responders on the frontline of the virus outbreak.

All Oklahomans are encouraged to follow the Governor’s “Safer at Home” executive order that advises vulnerable populations and those over the age of 65 to shelter in place until April 30. The order also restricts all gatherings larger than 10 people and encourages anyone feeling sick or anyone who has been around someone who is sick to stay home and self-quarantine. On both statewide and municipal levels, individuals can still leave for essential errands such as to grocery stores or pharmacies.

Guidelines from the OSDH include practicing social distancing, reducing person-to-person contact, frequently washing hands and avoiding touching your face.

If you develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or cough, please contact your medical professional or call the COVID-19 call center at (877) 215-8336 or 2-1-1 for assistance. For the latest information from the OSDH, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.