Alva Review-Courier -

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — There are a reported 747 new coronavirus cases in Oklahoma to push the total past 36,000 along with five more deaths due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the illness, the Oklahoma State Department of Health said Friday.

The confirmed 36,487 total cases and 541 deaths is an increase from 35,740 cases and 536 deaths reported Thursday. The true number of cases in Oklahoma is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

The department reported 621 people hospitalized either with the virus or under investigation for infection, down from 647 hospitalizations on Thursday.

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.