Tulsa COVID-19 Situation Update

(TULSA, Okla.) To date, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) has confirmed 47,575 positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County. 42,292 residents have recovered and 395 have lost their lives. Data and trends are updated at www.tulsa-health.org/COVID19. Here is an overview of recent Tulsa County data: By Christmas Day, December 25, more than 7% of Tulsa County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. If current trends continue, we'll surpass 8% on January 10th. This is significant because it previously took 30 days or more to increase by 1%, and now that is happening in 2 weeks or less. 23.6% of ALL Tulsa County cases since the start of the pandemic were identified during December. In December, the 18 - 35 age group continue to be the age group with the most cases (30.07% of all cases), followed by the 36 – 49 age group (21.8% of all cases). 20.4% of ALL Tulsa County hospitalizations since the start of the pandemic occurred during December, which does not include admissions from 12/30 or 12/31. More Tulsa County residents were hospitalized with COVID-19 in November and December than in all other months combined. In November, the percent positivity rate for testing done by the Tulsa Health Department only was at 23.12%. So far for the month of December, THD has seen a 28.08% positivity rate at its location only. The Tulsa County Zip Code Case Map has been updated. This map reflects the daily active case rate per 1,000 residents. Due to the holiday, it will not be updated again until 1/8. View the public health guidance for the risk in your zip code: bit.ly/TulsaCoData Orange/High Risk Guidelines: bit.ly/TulsaCoOrange Red/Severe Risk Guidelines: bit.ly/TulsaCoRed Dark Red/Extremely Severe Risk Guidelines: bit.ly/TulsaCoDarkRed Vaccine Distribution Update The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced Tuesday its strategic plan to transition into phase 2 by offering the COVID-19 vaccine to first responders and healthcare workers outside the inpatient setting by utilizing designated distribution points across the state of Oklahoma. The Tulsa Health Department (THD) continues to coordinate vaccine distribution and administration in accordance with the Oklahoma COVID-19 Vaccine Priority Framework. Tulsa County is currently working to complete Phase 1 while transitioning into select priority groups within Phase 2. At this time, THD has started to administer the vaccine to some priority groups within Phase 2, such as first responders and outpatient health care workers. Individuals who fall within this category should call the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-9355 to schedule an appointment. COVID-19 Call Center hours are Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm. However, the phone bank will be closed Fri, Jan 1 in observance of New Year's Day.

However, it's important to remember that the phases are not linear and this does not mean that Phase 1 is complete. Vaccine doses remain limited at this time. The number of doses administered by all entities in each county across the state are reported to OSDH through OSIIS and numbers are reported out collectively statewide in their weekly epidemiology report. We will provide information on our website and social media when the supply increases and we are able to expand to additional priority populations within Phase 2, such as Oklahomans who are 65 and older. More information about vaccine availability to the 65 and older population will become available as the state receives further information regarding ongoing vaccine supply. There is no list for people to get on to be included in Phase 2 vaccine distribution. OSDH announced individuals should watch for local public messaging, including via news, website and social media, to find out when they’re eligible to receive the vaccine. Additionally, an online scheduling tool is expected to go live in the upcoming weeks to help Oklahomans in each priority group find their ability to get the vaccine, as well as the nearest dispensing location and to schedule an appointment when it’s their turn. It’s important to remember that distributing this vaccine will take time. We have limited quantities starting out. Please keep in mind that an effort of this magnitude will not happen overnight. It will take some time and our efforts will continue over the days, weeks, and months following receipt of vaccine shipments. We ask for patience and understanding as we progress through this complicated endeavor. THD recognizes that Oklahomans have been hit particularly hard by COVID-19, and we must protect you from this disease as soon as reasonably possible within the State's vaccination plan. A vaccine is just one part of the solution. Even after receiving the vaccine, it is vital for the individual to continue to take precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19. These actions, in conjunction with the vaccine plan, can make a huge difference in keeping our families and communities safe and healthy in the long term. For up-to-date, detailed information about the vaccine distribution plan and the priority populations included in each phase, please Click Here. If you have questions, please call our COVID-19 Call Center at 918-582-9355. Celebrating New Year's Eve Safely With the vaccine, 2021 is sure to be a healthier year — but now is not the time to let our guard down. Make a resolution to protect yourself & others by continuing to wear a mask, wash your hands & watch your distance & get a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to you. Staying home and celebrating with the people you live with or celebrating virtually with loved ones is the safest choice this year. Do not attend large gatherings this year. If you do host or attend a small gathering, take steps to make celebrating the New Year safer. Everyone can make New Year's Eve celebrations safer. If you are celebrating the New Year with people outside your household, make sure you follow these steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Choosing safe ways to celebrate this year will help ensure many more happy holidays with your family in the future. Testing and Locations If you attended a large gathering, especially indoors, or traveled over the holidays you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Consider getting tested 5-7 days after the gathering and reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days following the gathering. If you don’t get tested, consider reducing non-essential activities for 10 days. If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. Testing does not eliminate all risk, but when paired with a period of staying at home and precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, it can lower the risk to your family, friends and community. If you want to be tested, the Tulsa Health Department will test you. If you are sick, think you may have been exposed, or just want to be tested, we encourage you to schedule an appointment online. We do not charge for COVID-19 testing. Tulsa Health Department conducts specimen collection for testing by appointment only; same- or next-day appointments available. Location and appointment time varies by day. Instructions for services will be provided at the time the appointment is made. Call the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-9355 to set up an appointment or schedule online. It’s important to remember, if you are being tested for COVID-19, you should self-isolate while waiting on your test results; especially if you have been exposed or concerned that you may have COVID-19. If you were exposed to a known positive case and you test negative, it is still important to stay home for the full duration of your 14-day quarantine as the virus can develop 2-14 days after exposure. Tulsa Health Department South Testing Location 8414 E 101st St. S., Tulsa, OK 74133 North Regional Health and Wellness Center 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Tulsa, OK 74126 For more information, visit: https://www.tulsa-health.org/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19