Alva Review-Courier -

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A total of 600 people have now died in Oklahoma since March due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported Friday.

The department said there were seven additional deaths to add to the 593 reported Thursday and that there are 854 confirmed coronavirus cases in the state to bring the total to 42,255. The true number of coronavirus 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 35,001 people have recovered from the virus and 561 people hospitalized, down from 643 hospitalizations on Thursday.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.