Tulsa COVID-19 Situation Update- 1-6-2021

(TULSA, Okla.) So far this week from Sunday, we have reported 1,266 Tulsa County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. To date, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) reports 51,319 cumulative total positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County. 45,751 residents have recovered and 429 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, more than 7% of the entire population of Tulsa County had tested positive for COVID-19. Tulsa County is likely to surpass 8% of the population testing positive by Thursday or Friday, which is earlier than anticipated. Just a week ago, we would have expected to reach 8% of the population on Jan. 10, but now trends are increasing, and the date moved up. Our current 7-day rolling average is 535.1, meaning that on average, 535 people are diagnosed with COVID every single day. In December, the 18 - 35 age group continue to be the age group with the most cases, followed by 36 - 49. This is represented by the 18 - 35 being 30.07% of cases in December, and 36 - 49 being 21.8% of cases. December was the month with the most cases of all time with 14,261 cases. November was our second worst month with 11,121 cases. COVID-19 is the 3rd leading cause of death within Tulsa County, surpassed only by heart disease and cancer. Over 3,400 Tulsa County residents with COVID-19 have been admitted to hospitals During the month of December we collected 3,391 samples at our THD testing sites. In December, the positivity rate for THD testing sites was 29% positive. Last week alone our percent positivity rate was 38.43%. In November, the percent positivity rate for November was at 29.8%. Again, this is for testing done by the Tulsa Health Department only. The Tulsa County Zip Code Case Map will be updated this Friday. 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 Vaccine Allotment The vaccine supply in Tulsa County is dependent on the federal allocation from Operation Warp Speed to the state of Oklahoma. The state then makes the allocation to each county. Tulsa County received an initial shipment of Pfizer vaccine on December 14, and began administering the very next day to Phase 1 priority groups in partnership with our local health care systems. After the Moderna vaccine received Emergency Authorization from the FDA, Tulsa County received shipments of Moderna vaccine as well. By the Numbers THD has administered 3,274 vaccines to date. There have been 12,161* doses administered in Tulsa County to date. That is the number in the Oklahoma State Immunization System at this time. There have been 23,175 vaccines allocated to Tulsa County at this time, and each vaccine has either been administered, is scheduled to be administered to someone with an appointment, or is allocated for a specific group, such as a long term care facility. Just last night, THD learned that we will be receiving an additional 5,625 vaccines for Tulsa County to use next week. They will be sent to THD, and THD will then use some doses for our operations and deliver the rest to our health care system partners. *Due to delays with data entry, we believe this number to be lower than actual doses administered by a couple thousand. Scheduling An Appointment As of today, Oklahomans can visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health's scheduling portal to pre-register to determine their eligibility to receive the vaccine within Oklahoma’s priority phase plan and receive notifications when the vaccine is available to them. As our state advances in our phased approach to vaccine distribution, the system will notify and allow individuals in additional priority groups and phases the opportunity to schedule their appointment starting every Thursday for the following week. Please note that eligibility also doesn’t mean you’ll be able to receive an appointment right away. Appointment availability will depend on vaccine supply in each county, which changes from week to week as the state receives more vaccine doses from the federal government. If you’re not currently eligible to receive the vaccine or if there are no appointments available in your area based on vaccine supply, registering in advance will ensure you are notified by email when your appointment is available. Appointments for 65 and over Tulsa County residents who are 65 and older will be able to schedule their appointment beginning Thursday for appointments starting on Monday, January 11. There will be about 200 available appointments per day for people receiving their first dose. These appointments are for individuals who live and work in Tulsa County who are 65+. It does not matter if you have an underlying health condition or not. All you need to bring is an ID to verify your age. We will also be administering the second dose to about 400 people per day next week. We will also expand additional appointments for health care workers and first responders who have not been vaccinated yet. This information will be on our website. Make sure you register in the Oklahoma Vaccine Portal as soon as possible so you can schedule your appointment when the system opens up. The appointments will go quickly. We recognize that this is not an equitable system at this time. If you have a loved one who you know will struggle with an online sign-up, please reach out to them and offer to help get them signed up. Residents can also call 211 for assistance with signing up, but please be advised that high call volumes may make that challenging. Teachers 65 and over Additionally, THD is working with the Oklahoma Caring Van to arrange for mobile vaccine clinics specifically for Tulsa County teachers who are 65+. We will be working with our local school districts to provide information regarding how to access those mobile sites when the details are ironed out and the schedule is set. Pandemic Providers There are more than 1,000 pandemic providers in Oklahoma who have signed up and been approved by OSDH to receive and administer the vaccine once the supply becomes more readily available. Just as it was in the early days of COVID-19 testing, there was limited supplies and limited access points. The same is true at this point for the vaccine. Eventually, there will be many more providers in our community who will have the vaccine and be able to administer it. Flexibility Public health officials continue to ask for patience as we work through each of the priority groups within each phase of the state’s plan. The team at the Tulsa Health Department, our Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, Tulsa County health care system partners, and Oklahoma National Guard members who are assisting with the response are working tirelessly to provide immunizations, operate COVID-19 testing sites, conduct disease investigations and contact tracing, and operate a phone bank for questions from the public. If you would like to assist in our response, please visit okmrc.org. Follow the Three W's In the meantime, it’s vital that Oklahomans continue to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Everyone should continue to wear a mask, wash their hands and watch their distance as ways to truly prevent the spread of the coronavirus. These actions, in conjunction with the vaccine plan, will make a huge difference in keeping our families and communities safe and healthy in the long term. New Variant Strains of COVID-19 Scientists have identified at least two new concerning strains of the virus: the UK variant and the South African variant. The UK variant was first confirmed in the United States, specifically in Colorado, last month. THD is not aware of any detection of this variant in Tulsa County at this point in time. However, it is likely that there are more undetected cases within the United States and it is not unreasonable to assume that it will reach Tulsa County at some point. Public health officials are early in our efforts to understand this new variant and are sharing what we know at this time. What we know is based on the evidence we have now and may change as new data emerges. Based on analysis of the variant’s genome and the tracking of cases associated with it, the variant may spread more easily and quickly than previous strains. This could increase the overall spread. The variant does not appear to cause more severe disease or death than the previous circulating strain. However, a higher rate of transmission could lead to more cases, which would increase the number of people overall who need clinical care. This would further strain the health care system. We continue to emphasize the importance of wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, avoiding crowds, ventilating indoor spaces, and washing hands frequently. These are our best tools for preventing the spread of this virus, no matter the strain. Testing and Locations 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 Testing in Tulsa County also available at the following locations below. Hours, eligibility requirements, cost and other details may vary. Please visit the organization's website or contact them directly for more information. For testing statewide, visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health. City of Tulsa Update COVID-19 Relief Funds Updates To date, more than $23 million has been allocated to address the ongoing needs of Tulsans amid the pandemic through COVID-19 relief funds, which the City received through county, state and federal funding. The City has prioritized several community-driven programs to lessen the primary and secondary effects of the pandemic and ensure the city’s resilience. Homelessness Response The City continues to offer a safe, socially distanced shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. The day and night shelter is open seven days a week at the former Juvenile Detention Center, as other local shelters are operating at reduced capacity to allow for social distancing. Additional resources provided include meals, medical care, vet care for their pets and case management. By the numbers since the shelter opened its doors in September 2020: More than 8,600 visits at the overflow shelter at the former Juvenile Detention Center More than 18,400 meals distributed at the overflow shelter by Iron Gate Quarantine hotel, in partnership with City Lights Foundation, has provided shelter to 185 people and 36 people have been placed in permanent housing Internet Access Plan Through a partnership with Cox Communications, more than 440 households have signed up for subsidized internet service. Residents who currently lack internet at home may qualify for up to 12 months of high-speed internet. Eligible households must have a current student enrolled in Tulsa Public Schools, Union Public Schools, Jenks Public or Charter Schools, Educare, Headstart or CAP Tulsa who are receiving either government assistance or those who live in Section 8 Housing or live in Public Housing, among other eligibility requirements. For more information on the program and to see if you qualify, contact Tulsa Responds at (918) 900-0918 or visit: https://www.tulsaresponds.org/ Financial Navigators The Financial Navigators program continues to offer financial advice to Tulsans who need quick, immediate help on their finances. To date, 132 sessions were completed and 1,211 referrals have been given. Navigators speak to clients over the phone at no cost and identify resources, sending them action steps they can take. Services are offered in Spanish, Zomi and Burmese. The top three topics discussed are utilities hardship, renter’s assistance and food pantries. For more information, visit: https://finnav.org/interest-tulsa Student Support Camps Student support camps have resumed this week at City community centers for Tulsa residents. An average of 70 students per week participated in the program by December 2020. The camps offer pod-style learning areas where students 1st through 6th grade can complete distance learning under the supervision of a support aide. Camps are open Monday through Friday and have about 10 students per pod. There is a $25 fee per student per week. To register, visit: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/camps 36 Degrees North at City Hall Renovations on the City Hall’s 5th floor are underway for a new business incubator to support local startup companies and entrepreneurs to aid in Tulsa’s economic recovery. This is a unique partnership between the City and 36 Degrees North. The space will allow for small companies to grow, access technology and strengthen our local workforce. The projected opening date is scheduled for Spring 2021.

Currently, 36 Degrees North is holding a naming contest for the incubator space. Anyone can submit an entry, and the fan favorite will receive a free month of coworking space. For more information, visit: https://www.36degreesnorth.co/incubatorvote Retrain Tulsa The City of Tulsa has partnered with Tulsa Community WorkAdvance to support Tulsans who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrain Tulsa will be a physical and online space for job seekers to access career services and soft skills training. The goal is to help 500 Tulsans find high-wage employment in different sectors, such as healthcare, information technology, professional services and advanced manufacturing. Outdoor Business Expansion Program More than $450,000 has been awarded to small businesses through the Downtown Coordinating Council to expand outdoor service to safely continue operations during the pandemic through parklets, sidewalk cafes, furniture and equipment. For more information on any of the COVID-19 relief funds programs, visit: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/cares Donations Accepted Corporate, industrial or medical partners wishing to donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may email covid19donations@cityoftulsa.org. At this time, we are unable to accept donations from private households or individuals due to quality control issues and potential contamination. Items collected will be distributed to the Regional Medical Response System.