Coronavirus, Tulsa COVID-19 Update – Nov. 19

11/19/2020

Situation Update
To date, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) has confirmed 28,506 positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County. 23,668 residents have recovered and 246 have died. Test results are updated daily at www.tulsa-health.org/COVID19. For the most up-to-date news, information and business resources in Tulsa, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/COVID19.

City Following State of Oklahoma’s Executive Order
The City of Tulsa is enforcing the State of Oklahoma’s latest executive order that goes into effect today, which requires 6 feet of space to be placed between tables, booths or bar tops at restaurants and bars, unless the tables are separated by properly sanitized dividers. No in-person service of food or alcohol will be allowed after 11 p.m. except for restaurant drive-thru windows or curbside pickup. 

Permit Center Update
To continue to ensure the safety of both visitors and staff, the Permit Center on the 4th floor of City Hall will remain closed for in-person business through the end of the year.

The Permit Center will continue to provide customer services throughout the in-person closure. Applicants can use the Online Portal for all permit applications except Commercial Priority Review, Commercial Repair, Certificate of Occupancy, Residential Fast Track, and Demolition Permits. All of the exceptions above must email their applications to [email protected].

For questions, residents can call (918) 596-9456. Additionally, customers may request virtual Pre-Development, CCP, or other project meetings by email or phone.

All inspectors, plan reviewers and others will continue to take health precautions when they visit your property. All City staff undergo a temperature check before each shift and wear a face covering when in the presence of others. Inspectors will enter commercial occupancies but not enter residences. Any staff with a confirmed COVID case will be placed in quarantine and will not make inspections.

Tulsa Health Department Update
As long as the virus continues to spread in the community, residents are at risk of contracting the virus. Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness that may result in hospitalization, intensive care, a ventilator or even death. The best way to protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable, and help reduce the spread of COVID-19 is to follow the “three W’s”:

1. Wear a mask when you are around anyone who does not reside in your home.
2. Wash your hands frequently, or use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily accessible.
3. Watch your distance and stay 6 feet away from others. 

Testing
The Tulsa Health Department offers specimen collection for COVID-19 testing in north and south Tulsa to provide convenient access for community residents. There is no cost for testing, and it’s easy to quickly make an appointment. Results are received within three business days. Appointments can be made online or by calling the Tulsa Health Department at (918) 582-9355.

Data Overview
Since November 1, there have been almost 6,000 new infections among Tulsa County residents. The 7-day rolling average is 393 cases per day, which is an all-time high for our community.

The Tulsa Health Department zip code risk map is available at www.tulsa-health.org/tulsa-county-covid-19-data. The zip code risk map is updated on a weekly basis every. As of the last update on Friday, November 13, there is one zip code in the green, one yellow, 18 orange and 22 red. The map allows residents to easily understand the COVID-19’s threat level for a particular zip code, based on the daily active case rate per 1,000 residents.

Holiday Gatherings
Tulsa County residents are encouraged to follow public health recommendations to stay safe when making holiday plans this year. Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household poses the lowest risk for spread. Residents who choose to gather should do so wisely and limit attendees to 10 people to ensure space for adequate social distancing.

CARES Act Updates 
Phase II of the City’s community programming funded by the CARES Act has been approved totaling $3,539,192.

The funds allocation of $2,289,192 ensures the continuation of the homelessness response operations through the end of June 2021. This includes day and night services at the overflow shelter in the former Tulsa County juvenile detention center and quarantine hotel facilities to prevent overcrowding in shelters and community spread of COVID-19.

The second allocation of $1,235,000 will make necessary improvements to citywide facilities to ensure public safety, such as ultraviolet light kits to sanitize airflow and temperature monitoring stations.

For more information on CARES programs, visit: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/cares