Calif is at around 15% ICU beds available and they are shutting down. When I checked this morning we had like 3% and have been running around adult ICU beds 4 to 6%, well below Calif numbers but we are not triggering any special limits or shut downs.

It seems like I’m continually embarrassed by this state whether it be the leadership or the decision making and/or relative education of the population here.

I’ll leave the leadership be for now, but what I’m seeing at the OU football game is freaking embarrassing especially on national tv. The stands appear to be very full. It’s not necessarily that though, but I’m seeing massless people all over the place in that stadium screaming and yelling and whatever. Being outdoors kinda loses its effectiveness when your around people for nearly 4 hours...

Edit: I’m referring to the population of the state...not here on this forum :)

People need to understand masks are like life jackets. They don't work unless you put one on. Must be why I so seldom see someone complaining that they wore a mask everywhere there was people, but caught covid, anyway.

3,241 new cases today; 7-day rolling average now 2,429.

22 additional deaths. 7-day rolling average is 19.7.

People need to understand masks are like life jackets. They don't work unless you put one on. Must be why I so seldom see someone complaining that they wore a mask everywhere there was people, but caught covid, anyway.

I know many people who have worn masks religiously and caught it

I know many people who have worn masks religiously and caught it

Exactly. Wearing a mask doesn’t necessarily protect you it protects others. Those that aren’t wearing one are putting others at jeopardy. Why is this so hard for people to understand?

In addition to the OU game mentioned, I was at the Jenks/Edmond Santa Fe game yesterday and there were so many without masks, no social distancing, despite UCO’s requirements. I am sure the Bixby/Choctaw game after that was no different.

I have also seen a bunch of photos from bars/entertainment across the country on social media with no masks or social distancing this weekend.

People are just so so selfish and that’s why more and more lockdowns will be forced and “normal” life is a long ways away from returning.

In addition to the OU game mentioned, I was at the Jenks/Edmond Santa Fe game yesterday and there were so many without masks, no social distancing, despite UCO’s requirements. I am sure the Bixby/Choctaw game after that was no different.

I have also seen a bunch of photos from bars/entertainment across the country on social media with no masks or social distancing this weekend.

People are just so so selfish and that’s why more and more lockdowns will be forced and “normal” life is a long ways away from returning.Speaking of football the NFL announced major fines a couple of weeks ago for players/coaches/officials on the sidelines not properly wearing masks if they weren't actively on the field. I haven't seen much difference.

This is a picture that the Jenks school district posted to their Twitter feed. They are getting roasted.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/jenks120620a.jpg

good god. I had no idea it was that bad in Oklahoma. the deniers are very present and vocal in colorado, but for the most part, everyone plays by the rules, with some exceptions. that picture is just stupid beyond belief.

I know many people who have worn masks religiously and caught it

Hopefully, masks are better than nothing to get a less strong concentration of the virus meaning a less severe case and less likely death. But the big problem still seems to remain that CODVID-19 is still perceived only to be a mild and brief illness. As a reflection of that, almost nobody was wearing a mask while standing behind Trump Sat. night in Georgia at his rally, including at least one elderly lady. But once again, if it's supposed to just be a mild and brief illness, why do so many thousands of people want tested for it every day? Probably in large part because it's not that way for everybody. Some people don't feel over it in two weeks. So why risk getting it?

As for trusting people testing positive for COVID-19 to put on a mask to protect others, I wouldn't trust all of them to do that. Maybe that contributes to why cases have been rising.

I know many people who have worn masks religiously and caught it
True. Because there are so many spreading it by not wearing a mask. Wearing a mask protects others from you more than you from others. Your denier logic is screwed up.

The issue is that you can wear a mask as much as you can, but your circle is only as strong as the weakest member. I don’t see my parents because they watch the kids of my brother who is a mask sceptic and doesn’t wear one. So I could catch it by being around them.

The issue is that you can wear a mask as much as you can, but your circle is only as strong as the weakest member. I don’t see my parents because they watch the kids of my brother who is a mask sceptic and doesn’t wear one. So I could catch it by being around them.

Besides the extra death, the fear that drives families apart is the worst part of this pandemic.

good god. I had no idea it was that bad in Oklahoma. the deniers are very present and vocal in colorado, but for the most part, everyone plays by the rules, with some exceptions. that picture is just stupid beyond belief.

It's pretty bad here Catch, but honestly, if you were in OKC and went to the usual places you might visit, the vast majority of people you encounter would be masked up.

A Jenks High School football game is a giant magnet for maskless morons.

Hopefully, masks are better than nothing to get a less strong concentration of the virus meaning a less severe case and less likely death. But the big problem still seems to remain that CODVID-19 is still perceived only to be a mild and brief illness. As a reflection of that, almost nobody was wearing a mask while standing behind Trump Sat. night in Georgia at his rally, including at least one elderly lady. But once again, if it's supposed to just be a mild and brief illness, why do so many thousands of people want tested for it every day? Probably in large part because it's not that way for everybody. Some people don't feel over it in two weeks. So why risk getting it?

As for trusting people testing positive for COVID-19 to put on a mask to protect others, I wouldn't trust all of them to do that. Maybe that contributes to why cases have been rising.

It's widely proven that masks are way better than nothing, but it really is important for both parties to wear one to get the best safety. Still, the virus is airborne and spreads easily indoors. Masks are necessary, but will not be 100% effective at all times in such settings.

People need to stay home right now and for the next month or so.

We went to the Festival of Lights over the weekend, and it looked like COVID never existed. We tried keeping to ourselves and wearing a mask while walking through the lights, but it was a mad house. We tried picking up food afterwards, but every place we tried was packed. Probably due to the OU game and what. Chickasha has got to be a major source of spread.

1,903 new cases today; 7-day rolling average now 2,293.

15 additional deaths; 7-day rolling average now 14.1.


As we get to the end of this week, we'll likely start to see the impact of Thanksgiving.

It's widely proven that masks are way better than nothing, but it really is important for both parties to wear one to get the best safety. Still, the virus is airborne and spreads easily indoors. Masks are necessary, but will not be 100% effective at all times in such settings.

People need to stay home right now and for the next month or so.
Yep and one of the issues I've seen and experienced in grocery stores is that people wearing masks think it is ok to stand right next to you or reach over you to get something. No social distancing. They think if you are wearing a mask you are fine and dont have to social distance. Aldi's seems to be the worst. I've asked other people to please social distance and nope they refuse. Employees hear me asking and they come up to me and tell me to leave the store. No more in store shopping for me for a while. I finally was able to get Insta cart to allow me to do pick up. For the longest time they just said you live out of the area and not eligible. Nope I was not asking for delivery, just curbside pick up.

I’ve heard, from friends, that the “Shipt” application is a pretty nice way to get your groceries or electronics delivered. Of course, I am very particular about my produce, especially on the avocados and onions. Can’t use it for that reason.

shipt does come out to Arcadia but the stores that I would want, they don't do curbside. I would be good to be able to do one trip to town and do curbside. I live off the road so I really don't want my groceries dropped at my front gate by the road. I don't know how that works if you live a ways off the road and keep your gate shut/locked. I am hearing that there have been a number of break ins in my area.

Yep and one of the issues I've seen and experienced in grocery stores is that people wearing masks think it is ok to stand right next to you or reach over you to get something. No social distancing. They think if you are wearing a mask you are fine and dont have to social distance. Aldi's seems to be the worst. I've asked other people to please social distance and nope they refuse. Employees hear me asking and they come up to me and tell me to leave the store. No more in store shopping for me for a while. I finally was able to get Insta cart to allow me to do pick up. For the longest time they just said you live out of the area and not eligible. Nope I was not asking for delivery, just curbside pick up.
The grocery store I go to opens at 7 on Saturday mornings. I'm there then and there's never many others there so I can stay away from anyone. Plus an N95 mask and I carry/use hand sanitizer.
But then I still got it again. And this time it's been almost a month and I still have symptoms.

That is my worry, even with a mask and few people in the stores i worry about air borne transmission from some one not wearing a mask. That could be an overnight stocker that thought they could get by without one since no one else around. Ive seen a lot of people who pull theirs down when no one is close to them say within 10 ft. If they are asymptomatic I worry that they could be shedding the virus. I am not trying to be too crazy about this but with the numbers going up, I don't want to take the risk since I am older.

He was very much being sarcastic. In Melissa Crabtree, we now have an anti-mask, conspiracy theorist, essential oils saleswoman overseeing our education system

Thankfully, Crabtree asked Stitt to rescind the appointment, so we don't need to worry about her.

https://twitter.com/KOCODillon/status/1336058432315645957

Thankfully, Crabtree asked Stitt to rescind the appointment, so we don't need to worry about her.

https://twitter.com/KOCODillon/status/1336058432315645957

That is a relief. Thank you for sharing.

Thankfully, Crabtree asked Stitt to rescind the appointment, so we don't need to worry about her.

https://twitter.com/KOCODillon/status/1336058432315645957

Praise Him!

Stitt abruptly fired someone to create this vacancy and you can bet he'll find someone new with the same philosophies, just not so dumb to put it all over a public Facebook page.

Credit to Oklahoma Watch for quickly finding her posts before she had a chance to delete/hide them.

"I was extremely disappointed to see how many were so quick to judge her without taking the time to personally speak to her. Ms.Crabtree is a loving mother and wife, and her public school teaching experience and work with special needs children would have been valuable assets..."

Fairly hypocritical of Stitt to be all judgy about people not speaking to Crabtree when his own communications director was standing in the way of reporters trying to interview her.

https://twitter.com/StormeJones/status/1336063557750894593

Fairly hypocritical of Stitt to be all judgy about people not speaking to Crabtree when his own communications director was standing in the way of reporters trying to interview her.

https://twitter.com/StormeJones/status/1336063557750894593

And to unceremoniously fire someone almost certainly due to political differences then call out others for judging this woman on the same terms.

Fairly hypocritical of Stitt to be all judgy about people not speaking to Crabtree when his own communications director was standing in the way of reporters trying to interview her.

https://twitter.com/StormeJones/status/1336063557750894593
Reeks of “just trust me, she’s great. I know better than you.”

He’s such a piece of S(h)titt.

I know many people who have worn masks religiously and caught it

I know many people that think they wear their masks religiously... oh, but except at the restaurant when eating, the bar when drinking, at the hotel when travelling, at church on Sunday, or that football game with 20,000 people on Saturday... basically all the places where most transmission takes place. Ironically, these are where there are exceptions to our mask mandates.

You can be 100% in compliance with our mask mandates and still regularly participate in the highest risk activities without a mask.

I know many people that think they wear their masks religiously... oh, but except at the restaurant when eating, the bar when drinking, at the hotel when travelling, at church on Sunday, or that football game with 20,000 people on Saturday... basically all the places where most transmission takes place. Ironically, these are where there are exceptions to our mask mandates.

You can be 100% in compliance with our mask mandates and still regularly participate in the highest risk activities without a mask.

so wait you can only get it outside in big groups at football games? Does it skip over other outside events with masses close together?

so wait you can only get it outside in big groups at football games? Does it skip over other outside events with masses close together?

Ha. I don't know. Not aware of any controlled look at large gatherings studying the difference between the purpose of the gatherings and transmission rates. My guess is that it doesn't matter and, like everything else, distance and mask wearing is what makes a difference.

That was just an "exception" among some people I know to their "religious" mask wearing, which is why I included it in our exchange of anecdotal experience with people who wear masks at times and, yet, have contracted the disease.

At the same time, anyone can turn on a college football game and see masses close together without masks. Football games are not a smart place to go, if you care about not spreading the disease to family and friends. That's why I haven't gone this year. Believe me, if people wore their masks and distanced at the games, I'd have been to some games this year. I love college football, I just love my family and community more than college football.

At the same time, anyone can turn on a college football game and see masses close together without masks. Football games are not a smart place to go, if you care about not spreading the disease to family and friends. That's why I haven't gone this year. Believe me, if people wore their masks and distanced at the games, I'd have been to some games this year. I love college football, I just love my family and community more than college football.

I always wear a mask when I can't social distance, and I have not eaten inside a restaurant since the first week of March. But I have attended a couple of OU football games. I honestly think they are a lot safer than they appear to be on TV (where they do seem more crowded). The game is outside, and mask compliance is actually quite good, at least in my section and on the concourses (which are largely empty whenever there is any action on the field). You are outdoors, and there is an empty row in front of you and an empty row behind you. There are about four empty seats to the left and right. I have taken relatively few risks during the pandemic, and this feels less risky than some of the trips I have made to the grocery store.

I always wear a mask when I can't social distance, and I have not eaten inside a restaurant since the first week of March. But I have attended a couple of OU football games. I honestly think they are a lot safer than they appear to be on TV (where they do seem more crowded). The game is outside, and mask compliance is actually quite good, at least in my section and on the concourses (which are largely empty whenever there is any action on the field). You are outdoors, and there is an empty row in front of you and an empty row behind you. There are about four empty seats to the left and right. I have taken relatively few risks during the pandemic, and this feels less risky than some of the trips I have made to the grocery store.

That's good. And, most importantly, you and your family are still healthy.

I'm sure it does look worse on TV. Kind of hard to tell spacing on TV for sure.

And there is no doubt, that attending an OU football game socially distanced outside is way more safe than a restaurant. I really shouldn't have included that example, because it became the focus of the post. lol.

The vaccine that’s on its way is pretty exciting stuff; however, the news reported today that what we have of Pfizer’s vaccine today, is all we’re going to have until June!! Apparently, Pfizer gave the trump administration an opportunity to buy more earlier this summer and they declined. Now Europe has purchased their remaining stock. Now, I don’t necessarily blame this administration as they were trying to spread their risk out to multiple potential vaccine candidates. That being said, our archaic processes probably kept them from making an educated decision. For instance, the FDA only reviews data after the trials hence our delay. The equivalent group in Europe does a rolling review of these vaccines as data comes out so that they can make a decision quicker. Hence why they have already approved the vaccine. It would have been nice if we did that as we could have bought as much of that vaccine as we could once we started seeing promising results.

Thinking about that vaccine brings hope and many questions though. How long till we can get that vaccine? Will it kill covid or just prevent a serious reaction? Can we still get and spread it even after getting the vaccine? That question makes me nervous as children will not be vaccinated. I would hate to get my kids sick multiple times! What about mutations? There’s already a sign (in Wuhan) of another covid variant emerging that is not as severe. Will life go back to normal?? Next year will be very fascinating.

Thankfully, Crabtree asked Stitt to rescind the appointment, so we don't need to worry about her.

https://twitter.com/KOCODillon/status/1336058432315645957

I saw that and I enjoyed Stitt's silly complaint about the evil teachers' union doing her in. LOL. He tried to play a fast one and got burned.

The vaccine that’s on its way is pretty exciting stuff; however, the news reported today that what we have of Pfizer’s vaccine today, is all we’re going to have until June!! Apparently, Pfizer gave the trump administration an opportunity to buy more earlier this summer and they declined. Now Europe has purchased their remaining stock. Now, I don’t necessarily blame this administration as they were trying to spread their risk out to multiple potential vaccine candidates. That being said, our archaic processes probably kept them from making an educated decision. For instance, the FDA only reviews data after the trials hence our delay. The equivalent group in Europe does a rolling review of these vaccines as data comes out so that they can make a decision quicker. Hence why they have already approved the vaccine. It would have been nice if we did that as we could have bought as much of that vaccine as we could once we started seeing promising results.

Thinking about that vaccine brings hope and many questions though. How long till we can get that vaccine? Will it kill covid or just prevent a serious reaction? Can we still get and spread it even after getting the vaccine? That question makes me nervous as children will not be vaccinated. I would hate to get my kids sick multiple times! What about mutations? There’s already a sign (in Wuhan) of another covid variant emerging that is not as severe. Will life go back to normal?? Next year will be very fascinating.

The news report is that Pfizer offered to sell more of the vaccines to the US in August, and the Trump administration said, "no thanks." So, yeah, June.

I’ve heard, from friends, that the “Shipt” application is a pretty nice way to get your groceries or electronics delivered. Of course, I am very particular about my produce, especially on the avocados and onions. Can’t use it for that reason.

I have had the best success using Shipt. They have a solid platform for communicating with your shopper. We've noticed that some items that are available in the store don't show to be available in the app. It's easy to deal with: we call the store and affirm the products are there, then add a "special request" in the order. You can also just tell your shopper through text. There are a few glitches but after doing if for seven months we are pretty pro. You can add notes under each item, such as, "please ensure sell by date on the lettuce and that it looks crisp in the packaging."

Occasionally we get Whole Foods delivered by Amazon. No such platform for notes or special requests exists on Amazon, and the shopper never contacts you, and you have no way to contact them, so we have had several frustrating experiences. Often, we get insanely large cuts of meat, like three-inch steaks and chops, which for a family of three (with two iight eaters) is ridiculous. The best bet if ordering through Amazon is to just get the pre-packaged cuts. I have no idea why a company as good as Amazon representing a retailer as excellent as Whole Foods would be such a disappointing experience.

Top 10 state!

All 12 states without a state-wide mask mandate have GOP governors.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/statemask120820a.jpg

2,297 new cases today; 7-day rolling average is 2,377 (peak was 3,271 on 11/28).

11 additional deaths; 7-day rolling average is 12.3 (peak was 22.4 on 12/5).

Hospitalizations are 1,698 (peak was 1,734 on 12/3)

ICU is 469 (peak was 482 on 12/4).

the numbers seem to be going down a little. Lets hope that trend continues and its not just a computer glitch for a few days.

We are 3rd nationally in positivity ranks and per 100 in hospital beds. White House Taskforce summary out today. https://twitter.com/l_e_whyte/status/1336392919352283138?s=20

We are 3rd nationally in positivity ranks and per 100 in hospital beds. White House Taskforce summary out today. https://twitter.com/l_e_whyte/status/1336392919352283138?s=20

That's a bad combination.

We are 3rd nationally in positivity ranks and per 100 in hospital beds. White House Taskforce summary out today. https://twitter.com/l_e_whyte/status/1336392919352283138?s=20

So close to #1. Let's keep winning!

Oklahoma Standard

We are 3rd nationally in positivity ranks and per 100 in hospital beds. White House Taskforce summary out today. https://twitter.com/l_e_whyte/status/1336392919352283138?s=20

Well that’s better than being ranked 3rd nationally in negativity!!! Who wants that? No Debbie downers here!

2,307 new cases today; 7-day rolling average 2,017 (high was 3,318 on 11/26).

23 more reported deaths; 7-day rolling average 12.1. (high was 22.4 on 12/5).

Hospitalizations are 1,745 (+47); (high was 1,782 on 12/2).

ICU is 465 (-4); (high was 482 on 12/4).

Hopefully this isn't just a data glitch like occurred last week when we thought numbers were declining.

Looking at the state dept of Health statistics right now there is only 3% of adult icu beds available in the state. That translates to 34. The other day when the % was at 3% there were only 33. Not a good time to have a major medical issue.

Hospitalizations and ICU levels are still very high and we likely haven't seen the full effect from college kids returning home and the Thanksgiving holiday in general.

I'm really hoping the post-Thanksgiving numbers end up not being as bad as feared, but I just don't think we're quite at the point where we're seeing that wave just. We'll probably start to see it later this week and into next week.

The Frontier
@readfrontier
Frustrated with recent news stories on the crisis facing hospitals, Gov. Kevin Stitt has asked state health care leaders to limit their criticism. | via @benfelder_okc




Kassie McClung
@KassieMcClung
·
4h
“On that call Stitt said if doctors didn’t stop “fearmongering” about capacity issues it could force him to impose a ban on elective surgeries, which would be a financial hardship for many hospitals.”

Holy crap.

For reference:
https://twitter.com/readfrontier/status/1336696352659677192
https://twitter.com/KassieMcClung/status/1336696694604505088
https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/gov-stitt-complained-to-hospital-leaders-about-interviews-with-media-on-covid-19-crisis/


Last month, a frustrated Stitt called Jim Gebhart, president of Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, about recent news reports featuring doctors at the hospital, according to two senior staff members at Mercy who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the phone call.

On that call Stitt said if doctors didn’t stop “fearmongering” about capacity issues it could force him to impose a ban on elective surgeries, which would be a financial hardship for many hospitals.

Fearmongering like telling the truth about what is going on in hospitals by people actually working on the front line instead of politicians creating spin to deflect criticism for their own inaction and purposely hiding reports from the White House task force?

It will be very interesting to see who runs against him when his current term is up.

BTW, I forget who called this when the news first broke about Stitt suddenly deciding to move the state health lab from OKC to Stillwater, but now he's actively seeking to privatize that facility.

Fearmongering like telling the truth about what is going on in hospitals by people actually working on the front line instead of politicians creating spin to deflect criticism for their own inaction and purposely hiding reports from the White House task force?

It will be very interesting to see who runs against him when his current term is up.

I think former State Rep. Ervin Yen has said he wants to run against him already.

Sorry for the oh woe is me but I'm feeling sorry for myself this week. I posted this on another board in a COVID discussion that is currently on a tangent of how it is really affecting you personally. Read or not. I feel better just writing it.

"My daughter took her family (her, husband, two kids of theirs and three of his) to California for a week over Thanksgiving. Saw lots of FB posts with lots of people. She's having a second birthday party for my grandson in a couple of weeks. I'm not going. I haven't even seen my granddaughter that's 6 months old at all, period. My daughter isn't happy with me. Her and I had a few years during her high school/college years that she wouldn't acknowledge my existence and I'm afraid I see that possibility again. But I've had this damn virus twice and the second time was worse than the first. The past month was one of off and on fever of around 100, (97.6 is normal for me) stomach and chest pains, having to stop and catch my breath just to stand up, waves of nausea, waves of hot flashes, the runs like I've never had before, blurred vision spells and twitching eyelids. Plus though probably brought upon myself, panic attacks not at all helped by all the reading I've done on the virus getting worse as the symptoms continue in some cases and often very quickly. This time the first symptoms were on Nov 10 and now on Dec 9 I'm celebrating 3 days without symptoms except for extreme exhaustion and a lesser version of the runs. Which I expect to live with for at least weeks based on the first time. If a third would be even worse I don't want to even imagine. So I'm not risking it, period.

OK, another oddball COVID related question. I just saw a brand new Clorox spray/wipes commercial. Commercial production and air time costs money. Stores can't get/keep Clorox spray/wipes as it is so why advertise? This thing is making the whole world go crazy!

I think former State Rep. Ervin Yen has said he wants to run against him already.

He's a former State Senator and he's not very popular/well known. He lost his primary and likely would have lost the general election even if he had won his primary. He's not what we'd call "likeable," but he's definitely very intelligent and he's serious about health policy.