This content is being provided for free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus outbreak. Sign up for our daily or breaking newsletters to stay informed. If local news is important to you, consider becoming a digital subscriber to The Oklahoman.

The death toll from COVID-19 in Oklahoma could be nearing 500 by the start of May, the state Health Department said Friday.

Oklahoma is projected to have its worst day of the coronavirus crisis on April 21.

On that Tuesday, the pandemic will peak in the state, according to a forecast released Friday by the Health Department.

Hospitals will be treating 915 patients that day for COVID-19, according to modeling done by state epidemiologists after getting results from more than 22,000 tests. About half — 458 — will be in intensive care.