COVID-19 is spreading in Oklahoma. But testing is still limited.
Doctors and health officials in the state acknowledged the number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma was higher than the recorded numbers reflected.
Oklahoma health department changes COVID-19 testing guidelines to match the CDC’s
The criteria changes and availability of additional test kits and reagents are expected to expand the number of people who can be tested for the virus, officials said.
State health department not following CDC guidelines aimed to get more people tested for COVID-19
The health department has directed doctors with patients suspected of having COVID-19 to call a state epidemiologist for testing approval. Samples sent without prior authorization are rejected.
Jails and prisons across Oklahoma are looking to prevent, prepare for COVID-19
Though jails and prisons are contained by nature, health experts have long warned that detention facilities are vulnerable to infectious disease spread.
Coronavirus threat has Oklahoma hospitals, officials preparing
No cases have been confirmed in the state, but hospitals are implementing policies, conserving medical supplies and considering telemedicine.
Oversight agency cites 21 policy violations at state juvenile facility following teen’s death
Investigators listed 21 policy violations in the report, including for lack of staff training, improper supervision and failing to report incidents such as bullying and inappropriate sexual contact.
For those struggling with addiction or mental health, Oklahoma jails can be deadly
Years after Oklahomans approved a measure to fund county-level mental health and substance abuse treatment services, jails are still considered the de facto mental health facilities. Sometimes with deadly results.
He begged jail staff for medical attention. They ignored and mocked him. Then he died.
Terral Ellis died from sepsis and pneumonia after employees at the Ottawa County jail ignored, mocked and ridiculed him as he pleaded for medical attention, video from the jail shows. Lawyers for the county have said staff didn’t know he had a serious medical condition.
