TULSA, Okla. — Two Oklahoma inmates died, possibly due to COVID-19, according to Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
An elderyl inmate, housed at Lexington Assessment and Reception Center, passed away at an area hospital on Saturday. Another elderly inmate, who was housed at Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington, died September 3rd after being admitted to a hospital in mid-August for virus-related symptoms.
ODOC officials said his death is the first "possibly related to the virus." Originally, officials said they did not include his death because of he had several comorbidities. The department is adding it now for transparency.
All other inmate deaths will be determined by the medical examiner.
READ MORE: ODOC officials: Hospitalized inmate dies with symptoms of COVID-19
ODOC officials said, starting Sept. 15, they will begin to provide updated coronavirus testing numbers when medical staff collects them.
Since ODOC began releasing the information on its website early in the pandemic, the agency posted the results a day in arrears, allowing staff to make adjustments if needed. With a recent increase in positive cases at several facilities, the agency believes it necessary to publish the information as quickly as possible.
Officials said, as they continue to move through the COVID-19 pandemic, they will continue to make corrections to provide the public with the most timely and accurate information.
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