The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma continue to rise with each day.

On Thursday morning the Oklahoma State Department of Health said there’s now 44 positive cases in Oklahoma, up from 29 on Wednesday. The state also had its first death due to the virus, a man in his 50s in Tulsa County.

There are four hospitalizations right now in Oklahoma and 466 negative test results. There’s another 250 PUIs pending results.

A second child, one under the age of four, also tested positive for the virus as of Thursday morning. Other cases by age group include 21 ages 18-49, 13 ages 50 to 64 and 8 over the age of 65. The county with the highest positive test results is in Oklahoma County with 18.

Ponca City is taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 including the following:

- The City-Wide Garage Sale scheduled for Saturday, March 28 is cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date.

- The Great Day of Service scheduled for Sunday, March 29 is cancelled.

- The Marland Mansion & Estate and the Marland’s Grand Home will be closed through Tuesday, March 31.

- The RecPlex Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for Saturday, April 4 is cancelled.

Many restaurants have made the decision to close business and are offering carry-out service only.

Keeping Up Your Resistance

- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it promptly. If no tissue is available, cough into your sleeve rather than your hand.

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

- Wash your hands frequently with soap, and for at least 20 seconds each time. Alcohol-based hand cleaners can also be used.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; germs spread through these sensitive mucus membranes.

- In general, a healthy lifestyle will reduce your chances of contracting the flu and all other communicable diseases.

For example, get plenty of sleep in order to keep your resistance up. And, drink water.

Flu is easier to catch when you are dehydrated.

Information on Coronavirus is changing rapidly. For updates and information visit www.coronavirus. health.ok.gov and please direct your questions to the Oklahoma State Department of Health Coronavirus Call Center, 877-215-8336.