Coronavirus in Oklahoma: 1,794 confirmed cases, 88 deaths; Stitt says Oklahoma hospitals are prepared; pandemic peak projected for April 21; and more

AFTERNOON UPDATE [The Oklahoman]( 10 Apr, 2020 [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [SUBSCRIBE FOR ALL ACCESS]( What stories do you wish The Oklahoman were chasing? What do you wish we knew? [Tell us!]( Contact information is optional. Are you a subscriber? View the [print replica]( of today's newspaper for more stories! [Sign up here]( to get daily coronavirus updates in your email. [Coronavirus in Oklahoma: 1,794 confirmed cases, 88 deaths]( The Oklahoma State Department of Health announced Friday there are now 1,794 confirmed coronavirus cases in Oklahoma. Latest News/Sports [Stitt: Oklahoma hospitals prepared to handle coronavirus peak]( Oklahoma has more than enough hospital beds, intensive care unit beds and ventilators to handle the peak of COVID-19 in Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt said Friday. [Oklahoma hospitals to receive nearly $500 million in federal aid]( Oklahoma hospitals will receive nearly $500 million in the first set of funds approved by Congress to help hospitals make up for lost revenue during the pandemic. [Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Pandemic peak projected for April 21]( Oklahoma is projected to have its worst day from the coronavirus crisis on April 21 with a death toll close to 500 by the start of May. [Subscribe to The Oklahoman]( [OU football: Why the Sooners aren't locking onto any one plan for 2020 season - and why that's a good thing]( During a conference call with reporters Thursday, Castiglione made it clear he didn't think there was any way to pick a single option right now. The OU athletic director said too many variables are still unknown about the future. [OSU football: Cowboys All-American Harry Cheatwood dies at 73]( Harry Cheatwood, an All-America safety for Oklahoma State in 1967, has passed away from natural causes. [OU men's basketball: Sooners guard Jamal Bieniemy to transfer]( OU guard Jamal Bieniemy will transfer, sources confirmed to The Oklahoman. Business [Recap: OKC Central Chat with Steve Lackmeyer]( The Oklahoman's Steve Lackmeyer chatted with readers about Oklahoma City issues this morning. Here's what was discussed. [Small businesses, nonprofits seek Paycheck Protection loans]( The program lends small businesses and nonprofits 2.5 times their average monthly payroll, based on last year's and first quarter documentation. If the money primarily is used for salaries, the loans are forgiven altogether. Entertainment [Interview and video: Maddie & Tae releasing long-awaited second LP 'The Way It Feels']( Their sophomore effort follows nearly five full years after the bow of their debut album, 2015's "Start Here." [Word Balloons: DC plans comic store help, stay at home activities]( Much of the country remains on lockdown, and in the comic industry, an estimated 80% or more of shops are closed to the public. But DC Comics is coming to the rescue. [Video: OKC singer-songwriter Kenny Pitts pens acoustic ballad 'Lighthouse' in midst of coronavirus pandemic]( Pitts, who is also an actor, released his debut EP "Solo," produced by Zac Maloy of The Nixons, last fall. You are receiving this communication as a member of the The Oklahoman. The Oklahoman values your online privacy. For more information, view our [privacy policy]( now. Please do not reply to this message. [Manage Preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( The Oklahoman 100 West Main Street, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 © 2020 The Oklahoman. All rights reserved.