Tulsa County COVID-19 Situation Update

(TULSA, Okla.) The Tulsa Health Department reported an additional 7,572 new cases this week among Tulsa County residents with a cumulative total of 126,355 confirmed cases. 13 additional deaths were reported for the week, bringing the total to 1,829 lives lost in our community due to the virus. The Tulsa Health Department COVID-19 data dashboard is updated every Wednesday. Recent 3-day average for Tulsa County hospitalizations is 341 with 87 in ICU. Most hospitalized individuals continue to be unvaccinated. The omicron variant is moving quickly through our community. The layered prevention approach is more critical now than ever: including vaccines, boosters, masking indoors, frequent handwashing, testing, isolation and quarantine remain essential to prevent the spread. 

HOLIDAY NOTICE: All THD locations are closed Mon, Jan 17 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. We will reopen normal business hours on Tues, Jan 18.

By the Numbers

As of January 12th, 72.9% of Tulsa County residents total population have received at least one vaccine dose. 58.8% are fully immunized, according to CDC data which is the most comprehensive picture at vaccination rates. The Tulsa Health Department has administered more vaccines than any local health department in the state, and together with our partners we continue to vaccinate anyone ages 5 and up who wants to receive a shot. View the data here.

Scheduling An Appointment

THD has COVID-19 vaccine clinics at two locations: James O. Goodwin Health Center and the Central Regional Health Center. Due to staff shortages, appointments made at the Central Regional Health Center have been moved to the James O. Goodwin Health Center this week. Appointments are required to receive the vaccine at the THD vaccine clinic. Anyone can make an appointment through the Oklahoma Vaccine Portal at vaccinate.oklahoma.gov. Those 5-17 years old will need a parent or legal guardian present for consent to receive the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine is recommended for those 18 years and older.

The COVID-19 vaccine is completely free to everyone. THD collects insurance information in order to recoup some administrative fees, but you are not required to have insurance. There is no out-of-pocket expense for anyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccine.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled here or by calling 918-582-9355. Individuals need to bring an ID and copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card to the appointment. Individuals should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting any dose is appropriate for them.

Other Opportunities

COVID-19 vaccines are now as accessible as a seasonal flu vaccine, with over 350 local doctor’s offices, health departments, pharmacies, major retailers and health care systems all offering the vaccine in Tulsa County. Do not wait. It is easier than ever to access the COVID-19 vaccine, and with so many providers offering the vaccine there is very little to no wait time. You can quickly get in, receive your vaccine, wait the required 15 minute observation period, and get on with the rest of your day.

CDC Expands Booster Shot Eligibility and Strengthens Recommendations for 12-17 Year Olds

CDC now recommends that adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.

Data show that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen protection against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants. ACIP reviewed the available safety data following the administration of over 25 million vaccine doses in adolescents; COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.

At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 12-17.

For some immunocompromised children aged 5-11 years old, CDC recommends an additional dose of thePfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to complete the primary series – a total of three doses.

Isolation & Quarantine

CDC has been monitoring the emerging science on when and for how long a person is maximally infectious with Omicron, as well as the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses against Omicron infection.

CDC has updated COVID-19 isolation and quarantine recommendations with shorter isolation (for asymptomatic and mildly ill people) and quarantine periods of 5 days to focus on the period when a person is most infectious, followed by continued masking for an additional 5 days.

With the recommended shorter isolation and quarantine periods, it is critical that people continue to wear well-fitting masks and take additional precautions for 5 days after leaving isolation or quarantine.

You can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. 

Mask use and layered prevention strategies, such as receiving all recommended vaccination and booster doses, physical distancing, screening testing, handwashing, and improved ventilation, are key to preventing COVID-19 and decreasing transmission.

Stay Up to Date with Your Vaccines

CDC recommends that people remain up to date with their vaccines, which includes additional doses for individuals who are immunocompromised or booster doses at regular time points. Individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get an additional primary shot and a booster shot.

Studies show after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection decreases over time and may also be decreased due to changes in circulating variants. The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further increases the importance of vaccination and boosters to protect against COVID-19.

Current surveillance data from the United States demonstrate that it is critically important for people to remain up to date with CDC’s vaccine recommendations. In November, those who were unvaccinated were more than 3 times more likely to test positive for infection compared to those who were vaccinated and more than 9 times likely compared to those who were boosted.

Testing

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please seek testing since seasonal allergies can mirror COVID-19 symptoms. If you have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please seek testing.

Testing is widely available through local health care systems, pharmacies and physician’s office. Local hospital emergency rooms should be utilized for emergencies (not COVID testing).

The Tulsa Health Department offers PCR testing by appointment only. This week, appointments are available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the North Regional Health & Wellness Center location at 56 & MLK Jr. Blvd. Information about testing can be found on our website or by calling the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-9355.

One Small Way Each Day to Less Stress

The ongoing pandemic may be stressful for people. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about and your community stronger. 

City of Tulsa Update

With the rise of COVID-19 case levels due to the Omicron variant, the City of Tulsa remains committed to following public health guidance to help slow spread of the virus in the Tulsa area. 

“Our COVID working group continues to meet regularly with local public health leadership to monitor the latest data and trends and we remain open and responsive to any policy requests should they be made,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “At this time no changes have been recommended to us on a policy level, but as a City government, we continue to have a mask and vaccine resolution in effect for the entire Tulsa community, as well as multiple safeguards in place at City facilities to protect our employees and visitors.” 

City of Tulsa Organizational Updates

All employees and visitors are required to wear masks in public places within City Hall and all City Hall employees are supplied with KN95 masks. City Hall visitors may wear their own masks or are given a disposable mask upon entry. Other City facility requirements remain at the discretion of the relevant department supervisor. 

When it comes to City employees working from home, throughout the pandemic, each department director has the authority to make decisions related to the safety and health of their staff and residents while balancing operational concerns and expectations. Department directors continue to review and can adjust their department plans accordingly as it relates to COVID-19 in Tulsa. The City of Tulsa continues to operate on the most recent CDC guidance as it relates to exposure and quarantine guidance. 

Mask & Vaccine Resolution

As a reminder, a mask and vaccine resolution remain in effect in Tulsa city limits, which: 

Encourages Tulsa residents and visitors to follow the most recent CDC guidance on mask-wearing in public indoor settings and in substantial or high-transmission areas 

Reiterates that businesses are free to require mask rules and that the Tulsa Police Department will continue to respond to trespassing complaints 

Encourages vaccination and asks those who may have questions and concerns to speak to a trusted health professional 

The resolution can be found online. 

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 from the City of Tulsa, including mask posters and flyers that any business or organization can use, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/covid19.