Local officer, dispatcher test positive for COVID-19

(TULSA, Okla.) To date, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) has confirmed 175 positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County. 20 residents have recovered and eight have died. Test results are updated daily at www.ok.gov/health. For the most up-to-date news, information and business resources in Tulsa, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/COVID-19. Safer at Home in Tulsa A Safer at Home Order is in place for all Tulsans, regardless of age. It prohibits all public events, private events and social gatherings. This order extends through April 30. Under the Safer at Home order, residents can make essential trips to the grocery store, get medication and other things needed to survive at home. To that end, patronizing essential businesses for non-essential purposes such as apparel or personal care services should not occur. If you have questions of what you can or can’t do, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/yesorno. The sole purpose of the Safer at Home order is to keep residents safe amid the spread of COVID-19. As a community, we all have a role in following CDC guidelines to keep our community safe by practicing physical distancing and following basic hygiene tips. The best thing we can collectively do is to stay at home during this threat. Tulsa Police are enforcing this Safer at Home Order. If you believe a business or organization is violating the Order, call the Tulsa Police non-emergency number at (918) 596-9222. Citations have been issued for those not following the Safer at Home order. TPD is not being dispatched to individuals not following physical distancing by 6 feet at essential businesses, such as gas stations, but, essential businesses have been putting safety measures in place. Temporary Homeless Shelter Funding The City has secured funding to operate a homeless shelter at the former Juvenile Justice Detention Center in partnership with Tulsa County. This shelter provides adequate space to follow physical distancing practices, for Tulsa shelters are at maximum capacity as they follow physical distancing practices. Tulsa Fire Update The Tulsa Fire Department (TFD) has seen consistent 911 calls involving fires. Additionally, TFD has seen a slight reduction in emergency-related calls due to Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) code changes, but those are expected to rise as more people test positive and experience emergency situations. To date, TFD has the supplies needed to deliver quality services. TFD has already placed orders for additional equipment. The fire department is staffed slightly above the minimum staffing level, as TFD firefighters have been canceling their scheduled time off to help do their part in this time of crisis. The current fire academy class has been sworn in will be reporting for duty at the beginning of next week. At one time, TFD had as many as 23 firefighters quarantined, but is now glad to announce that quarantine number today is four. We largely attribute this to our firefighters for following policies, protocols, practicing physical distancing, and utilizing the personal protective equipment provided to them. The department has been and will continue to regularly decontaminate our stations, apparatus, equipment, and facilities. Tulsa Police Update Tulsa Police have received equipment from TFD that allows officers to decontaminate their vehicles and each uniform division. This week, one police officer tested positive for COVID-19. That officer is at home in self-isolation, and those officers who came in contact with that officer are also quarantined at home. Tulsa Police are asking Tulsans to use the online reporting tool whenever possible as to not risk spreading COVID-19 to our first responders. If the situation is life threatening, Tulsa Police still encourage you to call 911. Citizens can make non-life-threatening reports online at: www.tulsapolice.org/police-report/report-a-crime-online.aspx. Tulsa County Update One dispatcher has tested positive for COVID-19. Others on staff have been notified, quarantined as necessary, and all are monitoring their health. The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office continues to follow sanitizing measures in the Tulsa County Jail. Sadly, Tulsa County reports one member of the Tulsa County Sheriffs’ Volunteer Cold Case Task Force has died from complications related to COVID-19. For more updates from Tulsa County, visit: www.tulsacounty.org. Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (TAEMA) Update TAEMA has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support THD operations and has been coordinating the City and County response. TAEMA is assisting with resource management and has been working with the Army Corps of Engineers to identify potential sites for alternate care facilities. TAEMA inquiries should go through the Joint Information Center (JIC), and all questions should be directed to the City of Tulsa Communications Director Michelle Brooks, or to Leanne Stephens, THD’s Marketing and Communications Director. THD Accepting PPE Donations Corporate, industrial or medical partners looking to donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should email covid19donations@cityoftulsa.org. Currently, THD is unable to accept private household donations. Items collected will be given to the Regional Medical Response System. Additional Resources Residents who are uninsured or underinsured should call THD at (918) 582-9355. THD offers specimen collection for a limited number of individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, residents can also call 211 if they think they have COVID-19 symptoms or have other questions about COVID-19. Like the Tulsa Health Department, 211 offers assistance to those who are uninsured or underinsured.