The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
Situation Update
To date, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) has confirmed 15,654 positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County. 13,981 residents have recovered and 151 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/COVID-19.
CARES Funding Updates
The City of Tulsa’s CARES Act funding continues to support Tulsans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new day shelter at the Juvenile Detention Center has seen more than 174 visitations in the first week, in which 86 were first-time visitors. The shelter provides a safe place to stay for individuals experiencing homelessness, while adhering to CDC social distancing guidelines. In partnership with Iron Gate, 470 meals have been distributed at the day shelter. The Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, Skyline Animal Hospital and Pause 4 Paws had a successful free pet clinic at the shelter on September 12. They provided wellness exams and vaccinations to five pets of vulnerable Tulsans.
Since the newly launched Outdoor Business Capacity Expansion Program through the Downtown Coordinating Council, more than a dozen businesses have applied for a $10,000 grant to expand outdoor operations via a parklet, sidewalk café and street dining. The funds will be used to assist small businesses with barriers, building materials, installation, lighting or outdoor furniture to effectively and safely operate outdoor service amid the pandemic. For more information or to apply to a grant, visit: https://www.downtowntulsaok.com/gybo
The Student Support Camps at City parks and recreation centers are providing working parents an outlet for children who are in distance learning. This week, 56 children were enrolled in the camp, and there is still room for more at some of the sites. For more information on these camps, visit: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/camps
The Financial Navigators program, also funded by the CARES Act, has completed 74 sessions to help Tulsans with no-cost financial advice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 600 referrals have been given to callers. The top three topics remain: utilities, rent and food pantry assistance. To learn more and to request a phone appointment with a Financial Navigator, visit: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/government/resilient-tulsa/financial-empowerment/
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”:
- Wear a mask when you are around anyone who does not reside in your home.
- Wash your hands frequently, or use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily accessible.
- 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. Call THD at (918) 582-9355 to make an appointment or to speak to a public health professional about COVID-19. A list of other testing sites in the community is available here.
Data Overview
For the week of September 6-12, Tulsa County saw a 27.27 percent decrease in cases compared to the previous week. The age group with the most cases continues to be the 18 – 35 age group, followed by the 36 – 39 age group. For the second week in a row, there are more cases among children in the 5-17 age group than in the 65+ age group.
Multiple outbreaks have been identified at K-12 schools, colleges and universities, religious services, and in long-term care settings. Among cases associated with high-risk settings, schools had the most cases, followed by long term care settings.
The City of Tulsa represents 61 percent of all cases within Tulsa County. The portion of Broken Arrow that is within Tulsa County represents 16% of all cases. Both Bixby and Owasso each represent 5 percent of cases. All other municipalities each represent less than 5 percent of cases.
The Tulsa Health Department publishes a weekly heat map of cases available at www.tulsa-health.org/COVID just below the case data dashboard. The dashboard is updated daily.
Tulsa County Update
Earlier this week the Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (TAEMA) and Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa began providing five masks to each senior they delivered to thanks to funding from Tulsa County’s CARES fund. Counting the more than 300,000 masks provided to Tulsa County schools and hundreds of thousands more distributed through this and other Tulsa County CARES programs, TAEMA has distributed more than 1 million masks to date throughout Tulsa County.
Also on Monday, the Board of County Commissioners approved an additional $20 million for the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation to continue their efforts providing loans and grants to small businesses and nonprofits throughout the County. A total of $50 million has now been allotted through this program. The Tulsa Housing Authority, which received up to $15 million in CARES Act funds for renter’s assistance, has extended their application deadline from Sept. 4 to Sept. 30. Visit www.tulsacountycares.org for more information on this program and others.
The Tulsa County Election Board continues to receive an unprecedented number of absentee ballot requests. Just this last weekend, staff completed 30,000 absentee ballot kits for the November 3 election. Oct. 9, 2020, is the last day to register to vote in the November 3 election. Early voting will begin on Thurs., Oct. 29.
