Advice offered regarding social activity, COVID-19 risks

In the early stages of COVID-19, the State of Oklahoma successfully flattened the curve and, in partnership with county departments and the medical community, bolstered our infrastructure and prepared our health care system for predicted surges in positive cases.
As expected, we have seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases caused by ongoing community transmission and increased social activity.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages Oklahomans to be as informed as possible of community-level data and reported increases to make the best decisions for themselves and their families regarding social interaction. Continued practice of infection control practices will help prevent outbreaks from occurring as we navigate a new normalcy with the presence of COVID-19 in our lives.
As outlined by the CDC’s guidelines found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/considerations-for-events-gatherings.html, individuals planning to attend any large-scale gathering will face an increased risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and becoming a transmitter of this novel coronavirus.
In preparation for participating in large-scale events, the OSDH recommends the following public health measures to be taken to minimize risks:  
Plan in advance and seek out testing at one of the state’s 80 free testing centers found by going to https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/testing-sites, or with your healthcare provider, and limit interactions with others prior to attending. Once the event has concluded, please minimize social interactions and consider being tested again in the days following. 
While attending an event, wear a cloth face covering, frequently use hand sanitizer with 60 percent rubbing alcohol, do not touch your face, and do your best to keep six feet of physical distance from others. 
If you are experiencing fever or other COVID-19 symptoms, please seek out options to participate through a live stream or a recording.
If you are a part of a vulnerable population group, to include being of the age 65 and older, or are immunocompromised, please stay home and seek out alternative options to enjoy an event through live streaming or a recording.
Oklahoma is in a strong position to address this virus until there is a vaccine or cure.
We have the reporting tools in place to help guide our leadership and the public in decisions on how best to navigate social activities with the presence of COVID-19. For more information please visit coronavirus.health.ok or call 211.