Like the one poster that worked at the casino and said it was not clean I have worked in food service for 30 plus years and eat out is the last thing I would do. LOL I guess we all have different options which is fine.
Years ago, I janitored and worked in the kitchen and dish room of the Kerr-Drummond Cafeteria at OSU and enjoyed free lunches. Even though it was a huge operation, it wasn't a filthy or unsanitary looking place. Maybe state run places are run better and cleaner than private ones.

As for private food places, it's been decades since I got sick from food poisoning from one. If a restaurant cares enough to keep its floors, tables and restrooms clean looking, I think it's a fairly safe bet the kitchen will look okay as well.

Didn't some of the casino band smoking? I thought some of them were going non smoking or is that just not enforced? I'm sure it's like the stores. Some casinos are probably doing better job enforcing mask than others. Keep 10 feet distance keep my mask on

None of the ones I know of have ever banned smoking. Mask enforcement is lax because if security approaches someone not wearing one they can just say that they're drinking a soda or smoking and it's a get out of jail free card.

They are doing cleanliness theater and making a show of sanitizing surfaces, but that's not really how covid spreads.

If there really are a lot of formerly infected COVID people suffering from lingering serious side effects even after testing negative, then the media ought to do a better job of reporting them, though, not sure how many such people would want to be publicly candid about that.

I've seen plenty of reporting on this.

You can't force people to pay attention or care.

https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/color-coded-covid-maps-oklahomans-can-take-their-pick-of-versions/article_b25f5f96-f381-11ea-8be1-0b8ad193786b.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1


A weekly White House task force report paints one-third of the state as experiencing high levels of spread, while the governor’s weekly alert system depicts moderate risk or less across the entirety of Oklahoma.

I haven't been in a casino since February. Just have the day off tomorrow looking for something to do since it's been 7 months since I have done anything. I'll do some more research though.
I hear ya. I haven’t been in anywhere but grocery stores and HD, Lowes a couple of times. With OU playing football I want to go to Twin Peaks and watch with a bunch of loud OU fans so bad it almost physically hurts. But there’s next year.

https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/color-coded-covid-maps-oklahomans-can-take-their-pick-of-versions/article_b25f5f96-f381-11ea-8be1-0b8ad193786b.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.koco.com/amp/article/oklahoma-city-manager-craig-freeman-tests-positive-for-covid-19/34016827

https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/color-coded-covid-maps-oklahomans-can-take-their-pick-of-versions/article_b25f5f96-f381-11ea-8be1-0b8ad193786b.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1

Yeah, our state's color system is most likely based on something else other than reality or anybody else's system. Noticed the state was mostly orange on yesterday's news, what a crock...

Heard from a trustworthy source that Normal regional is at capacity. It's anecdotal and I'm currently too busy/lazy to do research to confirm, but the fact that it's even a possibility is not good (even if it may not be that surprising).

1,091 new cases today; 7-day rolling average now 894.

7 additional deaths reported; we are still averaging about 8 per day.

Hospitalizations are 561.

Despite the consistent, if not rising, number of cases, is that there are just too many people in this country who either are unconcerned or do not care. Case in point - these college students having people over to hang out despite some of them knowing that they have Covid.

https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/09/12/miami-university-ohio-student-party-coronavirus-ctn-vpx.cnn

Despite the consistent, if not rising, number of cases, is that there are just too many people in this country who either are unconcerned or do not care. Case in point - these college students having people over to hang out despite some of them knowing that they have Covid.

https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/09/12/miami-university-ohio-student-party-coronavirus-ctn-vpx.cnn

Yes, as has been stated repeatedly. There are people out there who still believe the misinformation provided to them by the president and others. Covidiocy seems to be prevalent based on political affiliation.

1,091 new cases today; 7-day rolling average now 894.

Top 4 counties for today. IIRC, it's been well over a month since Oklahoma County has had 200+ cases in a day.

Oklahoma - 15517 (+224)
Tulsa - 15358 (+156)
Cleveland - 5110 (+108)
Payne - 1855 (+54)

Despite the consistent, if not rising, number of cases, is that there are just too many people in this country who either are unconcerned or do not care. Case in point - these college students having people over to hang out despite some of them knowing that they have Covid.

https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/09/12/miami-university-ohio-student-party-coronavirus-ctn-vpx.cnn

why would college students care they are at a much greater risk from car crashes and lighting strikes

why would college students care they are at a much greater risk from car crashes and lighting strikes

So college students (and apparently you) only care about themselves and care nothing about PUBLIC health and consequences for the rest of the population?

So college students (and apparently you) only care about themselves and care nothing about PUBLIC health and consequences for the rest of the population?

Clearly, yes.

And the fact the City of Norman is surprised by this just reflects badly on them.

Clearly, yes.

And the fact the City of Norman is surprised by this just reflects badly on them.

Indeed. I wasn't surprised, and completely knew the answer to my question, just wanted to get it out there "in print". ;) It's why I laugh my a** off at the "We're in this together" BS that is getting spouted all over the place by incredible amounts of people. No, if we were all in this together, there'd a relief bills, salary reimbursement, extra leave available, more people wearing masks, etc. We are *not* all in this together and that's what makes me want to punch maskholes in their face, but I don't want to get their bodily fluids on me...

why would college students care they are at a much greater risk from car crashes and lighting strikes

Because they can then spread it to other people who may be more at risk. We don't live in silos where we only live around people our age. So they can spread it to those people. Or they can spread it to other young people who ARE susceptible. It's not just about one's own level of risk aversion.

So college students (and apparently you) only care about themselves and care nothing about PUBLIC health and consequences for the rest of the population?

i wouldn't put my self in that list ..

Heard from a trustworthy source that Normal regional is at capacity. It's anecdotal and I'm currently to busy/lazy to do research to confirm, but the fact that it's even a possibility is not good (even if it may not be that surprising).

Stillwater hospital is nowhere near capacity as of Monday and covid patients remain at 4, according to it's FB page:

Stillwater Medical Center's current Capacity for September 14, 2020.
ICU bed capacity is 16; Current volume of patients is 8; Current COVID/PUI patient count is 2.
Med/Surge bed capacity is 63; Current volume of patients is 25; Current COVID/PUI patient count is 2.
Total COVID/PUI patient count is 4.

***These numbers represent bed capacity only. Other factors such as staffing, patient acuity and current emergency department volume plays a part on availability.

i wouldn't put my self in that list ..

Good.

why would college students care they are at a much greater risk from car crashes and lighting strikes

They may be unlikely to die from it, but there has been a non trivial percentage of young people still have organ damage from it

Top 4 counties for today. IIRC, it's been well over a month since Oklahoma County has had 200+ cases in a day.

Oklahoma - 15517 (+224)
Tulsa - 15358 (+156)
Cleveland - 5110 (+108)
Payne - 1855 (+54)

This is 1 week after the labor day holiday and also the change in reporting rapid tests. Its important to puts these numbers in context. At least were getting somewhat more accurate numbers as we start using rapid tests more.

There is at least some measure of "phantom positives" that comes from PCP testing. Saw the same thing with the summer following the Swine Flu pandemic.

Is there a good source that has a graph with just the daily cases for Oklahoma County?

There is at least some measure of "phantom positives" that comes from PCP testing. Saw the same thing with the summer following the Swine Flu pandemic.

Also has been a fair number of false negatives with rapid tests and thus most went on to take the traditional tests; there was no double-counting for people who tested positive with both.

The rapid tests have been greatly improved, that is why those results are now being included.

Positive cases are positive cases.

Is there a good source that has a graph with just the daily cases for Oklahoma County?

This is what I've been using.

https://occhd2.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/2c0fbe6497004e098cdb9678f4d33cc9

Thanks.

Well I went to Grand casino today between 11:30 and 2:00. It was pretty empty social distancing is really not an issue. I played a little downstairs and then I went upstairs and I would say the upstairs part only had maybe a total of ten people. The old convention center or whatever that other room used to be they took all the slot machines out of there the upstairs non-smoking section was still up there it only had like two people in it. So from a social distancing standpoint it's fine however cleanliness not so much I seen a lot of slot machines that had cigarette Ash on them. Most people weren't wear a mask and most were smoking that was about the only thing that bothered me was the smoking part. I probably never came within 25 ft of another person like I said it was pretty empty. There were the occasional somebody passes you by when walking but that contacts less than 10 seconds

Oh and I would like to add that when I did leave about 2:00 it was starting to pick up and get a little bit busier. They had one drink area open I think it was in the buffet but I never went to it. They did take your temperature when you went in. like I said my biggest issue was probably the cleanliness they are not cleaning every machine after every use luckily I know where the bathrooms are and I wash my hands every 30 minutes

On a car road trip, stops in Little Rock and Nashville, okay, the most liberal urban areas, and there is lack of masks. As we drove around, I commented to the wife, the lack of masks in some areas, and how in OKC, everyone seems to have a mask hanging on their rear view mirror, but not in Arkansas, and Tennessee. Is the glass half empty, or half full?

“Herd mentality.” ROFLMFAO.

Took a little longer before posting my trademarked ™ graphs, as I wanted to get a few more days under the new reporting standards that include rapid tests in the daily case count. All in all - not seeing a meaningful change in the trends.

Summary
September cases shaping up to set a new record, while total September deaths on track to set a new 2nd place record:

https://i.imgur.com/oO5g9GX.png

Averages:

Average cases continue to climb with the 7 day now at 869 cases. The highest average since August 5th. Some of this could be the result of including rapid tests, but the new value seems to follow the general upward trend of the last 3 weeks. Deaths made a pretty dramatic dip all the way to 5.9, but have since climbed back to 8.3 deaths/day:
https://i.imgur.com/IQffh2T.png

Same metrics, but going back to April 1st for reference:

https://i.imgur.com/nORwBAp.png

The different duration case count averages are showing much the same trend we've seen since the end of August. The shortest average leads the medium, and the medium leads the longest - implying that spread has accelerated and continues to do so. Of important note here, is that the 14 and 21 day averages still contain 7 or 14 days worth of cases that do not include the rapid tests in the daily total.

https://i.imgur.com/H3h02Tp.png

Testing

The % of positive tests is still at 10%... an interesting note is that a new metric showed up in this weeks report. A "John Hopkins % positivity", which appears to be slightly lower

https://i.imgur.com/Hd0q2De.png

Local Update From Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce - Mythbusters Edition

"Only college kids are getting COVID in Stillwater. It's not a risk for the rest of us."

Not true. Yes, the highest portion of cases in Stillwater is among the 18-35 age range. But more than 50% of the population of Stillwater is 18-35. Our median age in Stillwater is 24 years old. The age group of people getting COVID is the same age range who work in offices with you, teach in local schools, serve in restaurants, and volunteer at your church. There is not a separate group of "college kids" in Stillwater that doesn't come in contact with the rest of the community. This is a small city--we all interact together, and we are all at risk for catching contagious diseases from each other.

"If I want to take the risk of going to a large gathering/not wearing a mask/putting my mouth on the water fountain spout, my decision only affects me."

Not true. COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease. According to the state epidemiologist, Payne County has a very high rate of contagion--that is, the number of people infected by each positive case. We have one of the highest per capita infection rates in the country. That's happening because people who don't realize they are carrying the virus are going out and interacting with lots of other people in lots of places. You are not just taking a personal risk. You are putting other people at risk. And you have no idea how vulnerable those other people are. So even if you're healthy, the person you give it to might not be.

"Hospitalization numbers aren't very high. No one in my family/at my office/in my school has COVID. We should be able to return to normal."

We have been taking precautions against COVID as a community for six months. Overall, Stillwater has been very proactive in keeping the virus at bay. That's likely part of the reason we've seen relative success in avoiding more serious ramifications. If the precautions being taken are helping, and the virus is still out there, it does not make sense to stop taking those precautions.

I know we are all tired of this pandemic and tired of having to disrupt our lives for the good of the community as a whole. Everyone has lost something during this time. People have lost their jobs and their businesses. Kids are missing their classrooms. Athletes are missing games. Weddings have been postponed. And over 900 Oklahomans have lost their lives because of this virus.

We are all making sacrifices, and we should all recognize and value what each member of our community has lost. When we understand that this is a COMMUNITY-WIDE problem, we will also realize it requires a COMMUNITY-WIDE solution. Each and every one of us must commit to reducing the spread of COVID-19. Wear your mask, avoid crowds, maintain physical distance from others, wash your hands. Please be willing to make these personal sacrifices for the good of your neighbors.

So it would be interesting to know how people in Stillwater think how they came down with covid. Were they seldom wearing masks in public? Were they wearing masks in restaurants in Stillwater, except while eating at tables? Had they been at a bar? Do they think they caught it where they live? I think answers to these questions are important.

Man that Stillwater mayor has a way with words. Big fan here.

The Stillwater News Press editorial thinks the local decision not to allow Stillwater High School kids to play football is unfair to which I agree as long as team members don't come down with covid:

https://www.stwnewspress.com/opinion/our-view-is-the-ruling-under-review/article_023edc96-f6eb-11ea-ac18-535316b2a65b.html

Man that Stillwater mayor has a way with words. Big fan here.

I agree and wouldn't vote yes to recall him, if the recall petition is successful. Recall elections can cost up to $10,000 or more in taxpayer dollars. They are always quite a waste of taxpayer dollars as long as the elected person subject to recall has not been convicted of an actual crime.

Wanted to share my Covid-19 testing experience.

I've been feeling under the weather for a few days and have a family wedding coming up, so I wanted to make sure I wasn't infected.

I googled 'Covid-19 testing' and the Mercy Go Health location in NIchols HIlls Plaza popped up, among others. I was able to register a time slot on-line that was about 30 minutes out, so I drove over and went right in (wearing a mask, of course).

The nurse took my vitals, as I had already indicated I was concerned about the coronavirus. Then I got the long cue-tip up my nose for a count of 10; holy cow, that was unpleasant. In case you didn't know, it goes all the way up into your sinus cavity and provides a sensation that is difficult to describe. A doctor came in to listen to my lungs and look in my ears and throat. He indicated all seemed well.

I went on Monday night about 7PM and they just called with my test result, thankfully negative.

It only took about a day and a half from testing to notification.

Covered by insurance? No cost? How did that work? Would they have tested you if you didn’t feel off? I’ve wondered about getting tested before mixing with others.

Covered by insurance? No cost? How did that work? Would they have tested you if you didn’t feel off? I’ve wondered about getting tested before mixing with others.

It was covered by Blue Cross / Blue Shield but I won't know my part of that until I get a bill.

The Mercy Go website says something like "due to limited testing supplies asymptomatic patients will not be tested for Covid-19". It also said if you had symptoms they preferred you to do a video consultation first.

But there was also some contradicting info on their website, so I reserved my time slot and specified 'Covid-19 related' from the on-line registration menu.

I asked the nurse if they were constrained on testing and she said they had been for a while but that is no longer the case.


Not knowing the cost to me is troubling but I felt like I needed to be tested right away.

I must say, after all this time the fact that this whole testing thing is still generally unclear is quite troubling.

I have good health insurance and more or less just ignored what it said on Mercy's site and I'm still not sure how much I'll be charged.

Getting tested anywhere else was even more confusing.


Still way too many barriers for testing and I suspect there are still tons of positive cases running around without knowing.

I must say, after all this time the fact that this whole testing thing is still generally unclear is quite troubling.

I have good health insurance and more or less just ignored what it said on Mercy's site and I'm still not sure how much I'll be charged.

Getting tested anywhere else was even more confusing.


Still way too many barriers for testing and I suspect there are still tons of positive cases running around without knowing.


Yeah, it still seems like a mess. I was having some breathing distress a few weeks ago I ultimately decided was a combination of asthma and having used some DIY vinegar and soap weedkiller a couple of days before but...I looked at the time to see about a test and the web interface for whatever local hospital it was at the time basically said without a high fever, stay home and quarantine unless you are about dead, then check back in. I waited it out and did get better in the next 24 hours.

I've had two friends test positive when they thought they had a run of the mill sinus infection. One got over it in about the same time frame as getting over a sinus infection. His wife lived with him at the other end of the house and did not get it. The other one is still having lingering issues a month later. 60+ age across the board.

I've had the rapid test done a few times at First Med Urgent Care, and from our understanding it is covered entirely by insurance, but it is unclear and the nurses don't have an answer for you either. We're hoping to not receive bills from insurance for multiple tests. The testing process at First Med, however, was painless (aside from the swab all the way up your nose). You stay in your car and they come out to you, and bring you your results in 25 minutes or less.

I've had two friends test positive when they thought they had a run of the mill sinus infection. One got over it in about the same time frame as getting over a sinus infection. The other one is still having lingering issues a month later.

I thought I had a sinus infection as well (and probably do) but after a few days it occurred to me my symptoms were similar to Covid-19 and I wanted to make sure I didn't infect anyone else.

Allergies have been very bad across the board this summer and that has probably led to lots of people assuming allergies when they actually had coronavirus.

I've had the rapid test done a few times at First Med Urgent Care, and from our understanding it is covered entirely by insurance, but it is unclear and the nurses don't have an answer for you either. We're hoping to not receive bills from insurance for multiple tests. The testing process at First Med, however, was painless (aside from the swab all the way up your nose). You stay in your car and they come out to you, and bring you your results in 25 minutes or less.

With Mercy Go, I had to do the full-on visit with a doctor.

So I may be hit with a sizeable co-pay.

I must say, after all this time the fact that this whole testing thing is still generally unclear is quite troubling.

I have good health insurance and more or less just ignored what it said on Mercy's site and I'm still not sure how much I'll be charged.

Getting tested anywhere else was even more confusing.


Still way too many barriers for testing and I suspect there are still tons of positive cases running around without knowing.


How many people do you think are not getting tested even if they fell a little sick cause they don't want to get that thing shoved up their nose. I have hear though from a few it isn't all that bad but I can see people thinking that. Also people living pay check to pay check unsure if it's going to cost them anything. We need to get a Saliva test that is easy and cheap and we better get one soon. However with it being over 6 months already you would think we would have something by now.

The most depressing tweet I have read this week.

"CDC's Redfield at Senate hrng on a vaccine: When is it going to be generally available to the American public?..I think we're probably looking at late second quarter/third quarter, 2021"

https://twitter.com/ChadPergram/status/1306253138517688322?s=20

How many people do you think are not getting tested even if they fell a little sick cause they don't want to get that thing shoved up their nose. I have hear though from a few it isn't all that bad but I can see people thinking that. Also people living pay check to pay check unsure if it's going to cost them anything. We need to get a Saliva test that is easy and cheap and we better get one soon. However with it being over 6 months already you would think we would have something by now.

The test at OU is just inside swab of the nose. They no longer have to do the deep nasal swab but some still are.

The most depressing tweet I have read this week.

"CDC's Redfield at Senate hrng on a vaccine: When is it going to be generally available to the American public?..I think we're probably looking at late second quarter/third quarter, 2021"

https://twitter.com/ChadPergram/status/1306253138517688322?s=20

There was never any realistic chance we'd have a viable, fully-tested vaccine before that time. Rhetoric to the contrary has just been political nonsense.

I'm just hoping we get it next year before the cold & flu season hits.

970 new cases today; 7-day rolling average now 908.

177 new cases in OK County.

528 currently hospitalized.

12 additional deaths reported.

Meanwhile, according to a study just released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahoma has the 2nd highest percentage of people lacking health insurance at 14.3% (Texas is the only state that is worse at 18.4%) and the percentage continues to creep up nationwide:

https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2020/demo/p60-271.html

The most depressing tweet I have read this week.

"CDC's Redfield at Senate hrng on a vaccine: When is it going to be generally available to the American public?..I think we're probably looking at late second quarter/third quarter, 2021"

https://twitter.com/ChadPergram/status/1306253138517688322?s=20

there is a better chance that we never have a vaccine then it coming in the next year

there is a better chance that we never have a vaccine then it coming in the next year

Source?

Source?

when have we ever had a vaccine for a coronavirus??

Well that is just silly. When have we ever needed one for mass use before?

Well that is just silly. When have we ever needed one for mass use before?

i don't disagree with this which is why i said in the next year ... vaccine development on average takes 10-15 years

The most depressing tweet I have read this week.

"CDC's Redfield at Senate hrng on a vaccine: When is it going to be generally available to the American public?..I think we're probably looking at late second quarter/third quarter, 2021"


He also said:

“We have clear scientific evidence they work, and they are our best defense, I might even go so far as to say that this face mask is more guaranteed to protect me against Covid than when I take a Covid vaccine.”

CDC director says face masks may provide more protection than coronavirus vaccine (https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/16/cdc-director-says-face-masks-may-provide-more-protection-than-coronavirus-vaccine-.html)

i don't disagree with this which is why i said in the next year ... vaccine development on average takes 10-15 years


While vaccine development can take years, researchers aren't starting from scratch to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. Past research on SARS and MERS vaccines has identified potential approaches.

COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccine: Get the facts (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859)

It was covered by Blue Cross / Blue Shield but I won't know my part of that until I get a bill.

The Mercy Go website says something like "due to limited testing supplies asymptomatic patients will not be tested for Covid-19". It also said if you had symptoms they preferred you to do a video consultation first.

But there was also some contradicting info on their website, so I reserved my time slot and specified 'Covid-19 related' from the on-line registration menu.

I asked the nurse if they were constrained on testing and she said they had been for a while but that is no longer the case.


Not knowing the cost to me is troubling but I felt like I needed to be tested right away.

I also have BCBS and got tested twice in August and there is no charge to me at all. I had a rapid test done at an Immediate Care Urgent Clinic that involved a doctor examining me, and then had a lab swap done through SSM. Insurance paid their contracted amounts with the providers and I paid $0, not even my usual copay at the urgent care for seeing a doctor.

Well that is just silly. When have we ever needed one for mass use before?

Exactly. There has NEVER been worldwide motivation like this to develop a coronavirus vaccine.

when have we ever had a vaccine for a coronavirus??
We never broke the sound barrier until we did. We never landed on the moon or Mars until we did. We never had laser treatments for sight, cancer and on and on until we did. Just to assume we won’t do something because we haven’t done it before is asinine.

We never broke the sound barrier until we did. We never landed on the moon or Mars until we did. We never had laser treatments for sight, cancer and on and on until we did. Just to assume we won’t do something because we haven’t done it before is asinine.

i didn't assume we wouldn't i said i don't think we will in the next year