County sees increase in Covid-19 positive cases

The Oklahoma State Department of Health announced as of press time on August 23, that Alfalfa County was up to 1,195 cases with 1,166  recovered from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Alfalfa County has recorded nine deaths due to COVID-19. Carmen has three, Aline and Helena have two and Cherokee and Jet have one.

The towns receiving positive tests are: Aline, 56 with 52 recovered; Burlington, 31 with 31 recovered; Carmen, 46 with 42 recovered; Cherokee, 238 with 226 recovered; Goltry, 40 with 40 recovered; Helena, 737 with 731 recovered; and Jet, 46 with 41 recovered.

The following zip codes are recording positive tests: 73716, 56 with 52 recovered; 73722, 35 with 35 recovered; 73726, 46 with 42 recovered; 73728, 234 with 222 recovered; 73739, 43 with 43 recovered; 73741, 739 with 733 recovered; and 73749, 46 with 41 recovered.

The following was the latest information released to the public by the Oklahoma State Department of Health as of press time:

• Confirmed Positive Cases: 530,594.

• Provisional death count: 8,997.

• Total Active Cases: 20,809.

• US cases: 37,709,810.

• US deaths: 628,503.

As of press time, the current cases in counties neighboring Alfalfa are: Dewey, 590 with 559 recovered and 14 deaths; Garfield, 8,288 with 7,981 recovered and 140 deaths; Grant, 594 with 576 recovered and seven deaths; Kingfisher, 2,225 with 2,107 recovered and 42 deaths; Major, 1,019 with 962 recovered and 24 deaths; Woods, 1,348 with 1,268 recovered and 18 deaths; and Woodward, 3,262 with 3,184 recovered and 38 deaths.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, especially those who suffered loss due to the virus. Nothing can replace loved ones, but FEMA may be able to help ease the financial burden that comes with that loss.

Those who had funeral COVID-19 related funeral expenses can apply for FEMA Funeral Assistance by calling 844-684-6333 or TTY 800-462-7585. Phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday with Multilingual services available.

Applicants requiring relay services, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, must provide FEMA a specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA is able to contact applicants.

There is currently no deadline to apply for aid. The criteria to qualify for assistance includes:

• The person died of COVID-19.

• The death occurred in the U.S.

• The applicant paid for funeral, burial or cremation costs after Jan. 20, 2020.

• The applicant is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident or qualified refugee. The deceased does not need to meet these qualifications.

When applicants call for assistance, they need to provide the following information:

• Social security number.

• Date of birth.

• Current mailing address and phone number.

• The deceased date of birth.

• Location of deceased death.

Information about any funeral or burial insurance policies

• Information about other funeral assistance received, such as donations or CARES Act grants.

Eligibility determinations are based on the submission of all required documents. Additional information and answers to frequently asked questions about the application process can be found on FEMA’s Funeral Assistance FAQ page.