The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
Situation Update
To date, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) has confirmed 51,319 positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County. 45,751 residents have recovered and 429 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.
As the vaccine continues to be distributed across the county, it’s important for all residents to stay vigilant, especially as cases continue to reach record highs. Residents should continue to abide by the three W’s: Wear a mask, watch your distance and wash your hands.
Vaccine Update
To date, the State of Oklahoma has received 174,900 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. 50,330 Oklahoma residents have received the COVID-19 vaccine, with 12,161 administered to Tulsa County residents. For the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Tulsa County, along with a list of FAQs and other resources, visit https://www.tulsa-health.org/covidvaccine.
Tulsa County has started the rollout of Phase 2 vaccinations, which will first be distributed to those ages 65 years and older and to first responders.
City of Tulsa first responders, including Tulsa Police officers and Tulsa firefighters, have received vaccinations as part of Phase 2. More first responders will continue to get vaccinated throughout the Phase 2 rollout.
Those over the age of 65 can start requesting vaccine appointments online tomorrow through the COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduler Portal at vaccinate.oklahoma.gov. Using that same link, Oklahomans can pre-register to enter their personal information to determine their eligibility to receive the vaccine within Oklahoma’s priority phase plan and receive notifications when the vaccine is available to them.
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
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Translation Assistance
The City’s website, www.cityoftulsa.org, has a tool to help with translation assistance for any page. Website visitors can click the drop down menu on any page that says, “Select Language,” and choose from one of more than 100 different languages.
