Oklahoma, one of several Southern and Western states experiencing spikes in coronavirus cases, saw its worst day yet for new cases Sunday, with 478 confirmed cases.
The number marked the second consecutive week the state surpassed its previous high, which was 450 cases for June 18. The new record came the day after President Trump held a campaign rally, his first since the pandemic began, in Tulsa, but any transmission from the rally would not be reflected in the Sunday numbers.
Cases declined over the next two days, with the state reporting 218 cases Monday and 295 cases Tuesday. The total stands at 11,028 cases, with 369 deaths.
The state’s outbreak has hit Tulsa and Oklahoma City hardest, with 1,774 cases in Oklahoma City and 1,726 cases in Tulsa as of Tuesday, according to state data.
Like many other states experiencing spikes, the Sooner State has seen an increased share of younger residents with the virus. As of Tuesday, 32.9 percent of cases are ages 18-35, while 22.34 percent are 36-49 and 19.02 percent are 50-64. People 65 and older are now the smallest adult age group with 18.4 percent.
The Sooner State is one of several experiencing a spike, including Texas and Florida, after relatively low infection rates earlier in the spring when the pandemic’s U.S. epicenters were on the East and West coasts, but have increased since businesses began reopening in April. Although the Trump administration has frequently claimed increases in cases are due to increased testing, with Vice President Pence encouraging governors to use the same explanation, testing in the state has remained largely flat.
Although any increase in the state’s cases due to the Trump rally would not yet be reflected in official data, public health experts warned the event could be a “super-spreader.” Attendees were subjected to temperature checks and while masks were offered to anyone who wanted one, they were not required.