Tulsa County COVID-19 Situation Update
(TULSA, Okla.) The Tulsa Health Department reported an additional 3,682 new cases for the week among Tulsa County residents with a cumulative total of 165,561 confirmed cases. 15 additional deaths were reported for the week, bringing the total to 1,914 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 436 with 101 in ICU.
HOLIDAY NOTICE: All THD locations are closed Mon, Feb 21 in observance of the Presidents' Day holiday. We will reopen normal business hours on Tues, Feb 22.
Vaccine Distribution Update
By the Numbers
As of February 8th, 74.9% of Tulsa County residents total population have received at least one vaccine dose. 60% 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. 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.
Vaccine Updates
Last week, the FDA granted full FDA approval to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine under the name Spikevax. Along with Pfizer-BioNTech’s Comirnaty, there are now two FDA approved COVID-19 vaccines available.
The FDA Advisory Committee will meet on Feb. 15th to review the data from the clinical trials and discuss benefits and risks of vaccinations for kids ages 6 months to 5 years. As with previously expanded eligibility, the Tulsa Health Department continues to adhere to CDC guidelines for vaccine administration. Should the vaccine be recommended by the CDC, the Tulsa Health Department will offer the vaccine to this age group.
New Wastewater Surveillance Map Available
The Tulsa Heath Department has partnered with the University of Oklahoma and the City of Tulsa on a wastewater surveillance program. This partnership was made possible with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation. A SARS-CoV-2 in Wastewater interactive map is now available on our COVID-19 Data page and is updated on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Steps Everyone Can Take to Make Gatherings Safer
If you are attending a gathering, like attending the Super Bowl or an indoor Super Bowl party, think about the steps you need to take to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19.
Make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.
If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and are ages 2 or older, you should wear a mask indoors in public.
In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors. In areas of substantial or high transmission, people might choose to wear a mask outdoors when in sustained close contact with other people, particularly if they or someone they live with has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease.
Consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who do not live in your household. Good ventilation can help prevent you from getting and spreading COVID-19.
Stay home if you test positive or are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
How to Use Your KN95 or N95 Respirator
Respirators are made to protect you by filtering the air and fitting closely on the face to filter out particles, including the virus that causes COVID-19. They can also contain droplets and particles you breathe, cough, or sneeze out so you do not spread them to others.
Respirators must form a seal to the face to work properly. This is especially important for people at increased risk for severe disease. Respirators have markings printed on the product to indicate they are authentic, see appropriate N95 and KN95 markings.
Wearing a respirator can make it harder to breathe. If you have heart or lung problems, talk to your doctor before using an N95.
A new study shows that wearing a mask in indoor public places helps protect against COVID-19 up to 83%. CDC continues to recommend that you wear the most protective mask you can, that fits well and that you will wear consistently to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19. bit.ly/MMWR7106
The Strategic National Stockpile has distributed N95 respirators to pharmacy distribution centers throughout the country. For specific manufacturer’s instructions for your N95 model, visit Free N95 Respirator Manufacturers.
THD is working with OSDH along with pharmacy partners in Tulsa County to make sure residents have access, free of charge, at their local pharmacies. These masks are not available for pick up at any Tulsa Health Department clinic or location.
List of Tulsa County pharmacies
COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know
When to get tested for COVID-19:
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms
- At least 5 days after known or suspected close contact to COVID-19
- For screening (schools, workplaces, congregate settings, etc.)
- Before and after travel
- When asked by a healthcare professional or public health official
A viral test tells you if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using samples that come from your nose or mouth.
There are two types of viral tests: rapid tests and laboratory tests. A laboratory test, such as a PCR test, usually provides results in 1-3 days. Results are reliable for people with and without symptoms.
A rapid test, such as an Antigen test, usually provides results in 15-30 minutes. Results may be less reliable for people without symptoms and follow-up test may be required.
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 rapid Antigen tests. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
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.
Contact Tracing Updates
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), the Tulsa County Health Department (THD) and the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) are moving away from universal case investigation and contact tracing to focus on a more strategic approach of outbreak investigations and targeted case investigations.
Transitioning away from these is something Oklahoma has been moving toward in many ways, as evident in the implementation of OSDHCI which is allowing our case investigators and epidemiologist to prioritize following-up on outbreaks or clusters, as well as individuals in high-risk settings after a positive COVID-19 result.
February is American Heart Month
This February marks the 58th annual American Heart Month. This observance spotlights the leading cause of death in U.S. – heart disease. You can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medicine. Learn more about heart disease.
- Spread the love with these healthier Valentine's Day ideas from Shape Your Future.
Hotline Hours
Anyone with questions, concerns or seeking COVID-19 testing can call 918-582-9355 during normal business hours to speak with a public health professional. 211 is a community resource for questions outside of normal business hours.
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