April 7, COVID-19 Situation Update

4/7/2020

Situation Update

To date, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) has confirmed 273 positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County. Twenty six residents have recovered and 14 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  

Cloth Face Covers 

The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face covers when in higher traffic areas like grocery stores to help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets. Cloth face covers can be made from various cloth materials, such as bandannas, shirts, scarves, etc. It’s important to note cloth face covers are not a substitute for physical distancing and proper hand washing. To see how to make your own cloth face cover with a bandanna and two elastic hair ties, watch this video: https://youtu.be/8f68m8UMsQs  

Safer at Home in Tulsa

A Safer at Home Order is in place for all Tulsans, regardless of age. It prohibits all public events, private events and social gatherings. This order extends through April 30.

Tulsans should stay home, stay vigilant and only go out for essential items. Patronizing essential businesses for non-essential purposes such as apparel or personal care services should not occur. If you have questions of what you can or can’t do, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/yesorno.

The City of Tulsa currently has 52 employees quarantined or in self-isolation due to COVID-19 exposure – 18 employees are expected to be released from quarantine by tomorrow. One employee has tested positive and is recovering.

Tulsa Fire Update

The Tulsa Fire Department (TFD) has seen consistent 911 calls involving fires. Additionally, TFD has seen a slight reduction in emergency-related calls due to Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) code changes, but those are expected to rise as more people test positive and experience emergency situations. To date, TFD has the supplies needed to deliver quality services. TFD has already placed orders for additional equipment. The fire department is staffed slightly above the minimum staffing level.          

TFD has been following policies, protocols, practicing physical distancing, and utilizing the personal protective equipment provided to them. The department has been and will continue to regularly decontaminate stations, apparatus, equipment, and facilities. Additionally, TFD has been producing hand sanitizer and hypochlorous acid for decontamination internally. 

Tulsa Police Update

Since the Mayor’s Executive Order, TPD has issued two business citations and cited five individuals for violation of the executive order.

Tulsa Police are asking Tulsans to use the online reporting tool whenever possible as to not risk spreading COVID-19 to first responders. If the situation is life threatening, Tulsa Police still encourage you to call 911. Citizens can make non-life-threatening reports online at: www.tulsapolice.org/police-report/report-a-crime-online.aspx.

EMSA Update

EMSA call volume is slightly down over the past 10 days in the Tulsa area. EMSA leaders believe this decrease can be attributed to Tulsans following Mayor Bynum’s Safer at Home Order. A lower call volume allows EMSA to better handle Tulsa’s EMSA system during this pandemic and ensures that EMSA medics are not overworked. EMSA has a supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for medics to last through the foreseeable future.

On March 27, EMSA’s Board of Trustees, on the recommendation of the Medical Director, declared an Emergency due to COVID-19. As a result of this declaration, EMSA is exploring new ways to serve patients while also minimizing risk. EMSA asks Tulsans to be please stay connected to local media to learn of any system-wide changes in the future.

Tulsa County Update

For those needing mental health assistance, Tulsa County is encouraging the use of the Mental Health Assistance Center, which can be reached at (918) 585-1213. Additionally, OSU Medical Center is hosting a blood drive this Thursday from  10 a.m. -3 p.m. at its location on Southwest Boulevard. American Red Cross is also accepting donors, who can setup a donation by calling 1-800-733-2767.

Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (TAEMA) Update

TAEMA has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support THD operations and has been coordinating the City and County response. TAEMA inquiries should go through the Joint Information Center (JIC), and all questions should be directed to the City of Tulsa Communications Director Michelle Brooks, or to Leanne Stephens, THD’s Marketing and Communications Director. 

Additional Resources

Residents who are uninsured or underinsured should call THD at (918) 582-9355. THD offers specimen collection for a limited number of individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19.

Additionally, residents can also call 211 if they think they have COVID-19 symptoms or have other questions about COVID-19. Like THD, 211 offers assistance to those who are uninsured or underinsured.