LAWTON – Southwest Oklahoma found itself the focal point in the state’s battle against the coronavirus pandemic over the weekend following a state announcement that the state suffered its first COVID-19-related death to a school-age child.
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the child is Oklahoma’s first death in the 5-to-17-year-old age group.
While the child’s name has been made public on social media platforms, the Ledger has decided not to identify the victim as a courtesy to the young person’s family.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of the state’s first child impacted by COVID-19 since the pandemic arrived in Oklahoma,” Interim Health Commissioner Dr. Lance Frye said in a press release. “Our prayers are with the family and community as they mourn the loss of a young, innocent life.”
The ODH did not release the name of the child who died from COVID-19 or even what city the child was from. However, a Comanche County woman posted on social media that it was her 13-year-old daughter who died Friday from COVID-19 after a short battle with the disease.
In her Facebook post, the mother stated that her daughter contracted COVID-19 at some point, but she didn’t show symptoms until Wednesday.
By Friday, according to the posting, the teenager took a turn for the worse and was rushed to Comanche County Memorial Hospital. She died an hour after arriving.
According to the mother’s social media page, the entire family has tested positive for COVID-19. She suggested that anyone who has been near the family get tested for the virus.
“This heartbreaking tragedy underscores how important it is for us all to wear masks when in public, follow social distancing guidelines and practice good hygiene,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister.
Hofmeister also spoke about the importance of safely reopening schools.
“Students need to learn,” she said. “We want schools to reopen this fall, but for that to happen, it is critical that Oklahomans take decisive actions now to mitigate the spread of the virus. Wearing a mask around other people is a small sacrifice for the sake of literally saving lives.
“We owe it to our children, teachers and staff for them to be able to go to school knowing that strong safeguards are in place for their safety and wellbeing.”
Reopening of schools has become a heated national debate. From the White House down to teachers and parents, many are voicing their opinions on social media. There is a wide discrepancy on what needs to be done.
Hofmeister said parents need options and she commended school districts that are providing learning options for families.
“School is vital,” said Hofmeister. “Especially after the significant learning loss from last spring’s building closures.
“At the same time, we must take every precaution to protect our children and those who serve in schools across this state.”