7-day average of new Oklahoma COVID-19 cases tops 500

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The seven-day average of newly reported Oklahoma COVID-19 cases has topped 500, and the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations neared 300.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health on Thursday reported 705 new cases and a seven-day average of 532 cases, one day after the number of newly reported cases topped 1,000 for the first time since April and up from a seven-day average of 329 on July 1st. The health department also reported 288 COVID-19 hospitalizations, including 101 people in intensive care.

State health officials have pleaded with residents to get vaccinated against the coronavirus to slow its spread, but have had trouble overcoming hesitancy and the spread of misinformation.