An increase in the number of coronavirus cases statewide and in the area has forced Hillcrest Hospital to close the doors to visitors.
Hospital administrator Dee Renshaw said the change will be effective Wednesday morning.
“We are trying to keep our staff and our patients safe,” he explained. The increase statewide has caused a problem obtaining beds for Henryetta’s hospital to transfer patients if needed.
Locally, the hospital has reached the point where hospital workers are reaching the maximum number of patients they can handle.
He said the restriction on visitors at the hospital will be in effect, “for the foreseeable future.” The hospital will make an exception for children allowing one visitor to accompany a child. That person must be over the age of 18 and will include a sibling.
As of Tuesday, the state Health Department says Oklahoma has reported 101,493 COVID-19 cases, an increase of 1,309 in 24 hours.
Locally, Okmulgee County has reported 979 cases with 842 recoveries and eight fatalities. The county ranks eighth in the state.
There have been 384 cases in Okmulgee with 339 recoveries and five deaths. Henryetta has reported 292 cases with 242 recovering and three deaths. Morris has 96 cases, 82 recovered and no deaths. Beggs reported 92 cases, no deaths and 83 recoveries. Dewar has 31 cases, 25 recovered and no deaths.
Neighboring Okfuskee County has had 223 cases with 136 recoveries and five deaths.
Okemah has had 94 cases, Weleetka 28 and Dustin nine.

To see current state Health Department COVID reports, CLICK HERE