Alva Review-Courier -

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma surpassed 20,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 Sunday, with state health officials reporting 456 more cases and one additional death linked to the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

The new numbers bring the Oklahoma State Department of Health's total counts since tracking of the outbreak began in March to 20,235 reported cases and 422 fatalities.

The actual number of cases is likely much higher since many people haven't been tested and some who get the disease don't show symptoms.

Oklahoma passed the viral milestone after a week that saw the pandemic surge nationally and the state report its two highest daily counts of confirmed cases: 687 Saturday and 858 Tuesday.

On Thursday, the state health department released a new, four-tiered risk measurement tool with corresponding color categories that identify the current COVID-19 risk level by county. Tulsa's mayor said Friday that he is considering a local mask order.

More than 15,000 Oklahomans with COVID-19 have recovered, according to the health department.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the highly contagious virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal.