OKLAHOMA CITY — State Commissioner of Health Dr. Lance Frye issued the following statement regarding the spike in COVID-19 case numbers:

“Today the State Department of Health reported 6,487 new cases of COVID-19 and 23 deaths. This rise in reported COVID-19 cases is due in part to a decrease in testing and a less consistent reporting schedule over the holidays.

While holiday testing and reporting plays a part in these increased numbers, we must also factor in that gatherings during the holidays have likely affected case numbers as well. Of the cases reported today:

58% had a collection date since 1/1

80% had a collection day since 12/27

I want to encourage my fellow Oklahomans to continue doing everything they can to keep themselves and their loved ones safe as we continue distributing the vaccine.

That includes following the three W’s — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance — and limiting your exposure to people outside your household as much as possible. We recommend quarantining before and after an out-of-town family visit, and we also encourage Oklahomans who travelled over the holidays to get tested for COVID-19.

In doing so, you’re protecting yourself, your loved ones, and our frontline and healthcare workers from further risk.

It’s important we keep up this effort as the vaccine is distributed. Taking these precautions will work along with the vaccine to fight the spread COVID-19 and help us return to normal.”