The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
Situation Update
To date, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) has confirmed 25,024 positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County. 21,744 residents have recovered and 228 have died. Test results are updated daily at www.tulsa-health.org/COVID19. For the most up-to-date news, information and business resources in Tulsa, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/COVID19.
It’s more important than ever to work to slow the spread by wearing a mask, washing your hands and watching your distance. Masks are required for any person ages 10 and over in Tulsa city limits in areas where social distancing cannot be followed, such as the grocery store. For more information on masks in Tulsa, visit www.cityoftusa.org/masks.
Tulsa Health Department Update
As long as the virus continues to spread in the community, residents are at risk of contracting the virus. Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness that may result in hospitalization, intensive care, a ventilator or even death. The best way to protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable, and help reduce the spread of COVID-19 is to follow the “three W’s”:
- Wear a mask when you are around anyone who does not reside in your home
- Wash your hands frequently, or use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily accessible
- Watch your distance and stay 6 feet away from others
Testing
The Tulsa Health Department offers specimen collection for COVID-19 testing in north and south Tulsa to provide convenient access for community residents. There is no cost for testing, and it’s easy to quickly make an appointment. Results are received within three business days. Appointments can be made online or by calling the Tulsa Health Department at (918) 582-9355.
Data Overview
Since November 1, there have been 2,489 new infections among Tulsa County residents. The 7-day rolling average is 267.3 cases per day, which is an all-time high for our community. Tulsa County represents 17.85 percent of all cases within Oklahoma.
The Tulsa Health Department zip code risk map is available at www.tulsa-health.org/tulsa-county-covid-19-data. The zip code risk map is updated on a weekly basis every. As of the last update on Friday, November 6, there is 1 zip code in the green, 4 yellow, 28 orange and 9 red. The map allows residents to easily understand the threat level of COVID-19 for a particular zip code, based on the rate of daily active cases per 1,000 residents.
Holiday Gatherings
Tulsa County residents are encouraged to follow public health recommendations to stay safe when making holiday plans this year. Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household poses the lowest risk for spread. Residents who choose to gather should do so wisely and limit attendees to 10 people to ensure space for adequate social distancing.
CARES Act Updates
The City of Tulsa is committed to providing support to Tulsa residents and vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the State’s allocation of CARES Act funding, the City has been able to provide safe shelter, warm meals, medical care and case management seven days a week at the emergency overflow shelter located at the former Tulsa County Juvenile detention facility. This shelter is especially crucial now as we enter the winter months.
By the numbers since the launch in September:
- More than 4,500 visits logged at overflow shelter
- More than 8,000 meals distributed
- All 55 overnight dorm rooms are full (29 women, 26 men)
In addition, two sanitation ambassadors have been employed through A Better Way, which provides employment opportunities to people who panhandle, to sanitize and disinfect public areas in Downtown Tulsa during the pandemic. The quarantine hotel continues to assist people experiencing homelessness by providing safe shelter in which to isolate if they test positive for the virus or are symptomatic. This homelessness response effort is made possible through a collaboration among the City of Tulsa, Downtown Coordinating Council (DCC), Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, Tulsa Day Center, City Lights Foundation and Iron Gate.
Through Tulsa County CARES funds provided to the DCC, at least $295,000 has been awarded to 37 local businesses in grant money to expand their operations outdoors via parklets and sidewalk cafes. The funds cover costs associated with having additional seating, serving and sales areas, such as building materials, construction, lighting and outdoor furniture. To learn more about the Get Your Business Outside Grant, visit: https://www.downtowntulsaok.com/gybo
The Student Support Camps at City Parks community centers will continue providing services until December 18. The camps have averaged 70 children per week since the September launch. Camps are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to provide working parents an outlet for children who are in distance learning. Trained staff help students with virtual classes, activities and homework during the school day. The cost per child per week is $25. Parents can also opt to register their student Wednesdays only for $15. For more information on the student support camps, visit: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/camps
Regional Medical Response System (RMRS) Update
The Regional Medical Response System (RMRS) leads healthcare system preparedness planning efforts and coordinates health and medical response and recovery activities for the healthcare system in their jurisdiction. The RMRS works closely with system partners, emergency management, public health authorities, and various response agencies to provide a comprehensive, uniform, and consistent framework and infrastructure for response and recovery efforts, through a variety of targeted outreach activities and coordinated planning projects. In Tulsa, EMSA sponsors RMRS Region 7 which consists of all of Tulsa County.
Under the authority of the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) the RMRS is responsible for the development and management of Regional Healthcare Coalitions. In Region 7, RMRS is working with Regional Healthcare Coalitions in response to COVID-19.
Moving forward, media members can contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health about COVID hospitalization and capacity data. Their representatives can be reached at: osdh@saxum.com.
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Translation Assistance
The City’s website, www.cityoftulsa.org, has a tool to help with translation assistance for any page. Website visitors can click the drop down menu on any page that says, “Select Language,” and choose from one of more than 100 different languages.
