Situation Update
As of April 14, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) has confirmed 73,345 positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County, with 1,022 people having died. Test results and additional data can be found at www.tulsa-health.org/COVID19.
Mask Update
With current trends of low cases and hospitalizations, and at the recommendation from the Tulsa Health Department, the City will allow its mask mandate to expire as scheduled on April 30.
When this ordinance expires, it will end the mandate for masks in public places and the spacing requirement in restaurants.
Remaining in effect after April 30 will be Mayor Bynum’s executive order requiring all restaurant and bar employees to wear masks at work, and the requirement for events with more than 500 people to submit a COVID-19 safety plan to the Tulsa Health Department.
For the latest information on City of Tulsa updates as they relate to COVID-19, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/COVID19.
Vaccination Updates
Anyone over 16 years old who wants a COVID-19 vaccine can schedule an appointment through the State’s vaccine portal at: vaccinate.ok.gov
The portal is available in English and Spanish and can be accessed on the top right-hand corner of a desktop or mobile device.
For questions on vaccines and appointments, call THD at (918) 582-9355 or call 211.
Additionally, a federally supported community vaccination center is scheduled to open in Tulsa on Wednesday, April 21, at TCC Northeast Campus, 3727 East Apache Street. Additional details are forthcoming.
American Rescue Plan Updates
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act was signed into law. The bill provides $1.9 trillion in COVID-19 relief funding for public health, vaccination support, state and local governments, individuals and businesses. Tulsa small businesses may be able to utilize these programs to receive support.
A few of the programs Tulsans can utilize include:
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
Coming soon, Tulsa restaurant and bar owners will be able to apply for grants of up to $5 million for restaurants and $10 million for restaurant groups. Most restaurants are eligible, with the exception of those owners who own more than 20 restaurants. The Small Business Administration will administer this fund. Interested restaurants can register and learn more by visiting https://sam.gov/SAM/.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program
Live venue operators, theatrical producers, live performing arts organizations, relevant museum operators, zoos, aquariums, movie theaters, and others may qualify for grants equal to 45 percent of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applicants with up to 50 full-time employees. Eligible venues can learn more and apply online.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Small businesses and nonprofit organizations can get approved for low-interest loans of up to $500,000 to help them meet financial obligations and operating expenses due to the financial impacts resulting from COVID-19 hardships. More information can be found online.
Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been awarded $7.25 billion in additional funds. Eligibility has been expanded to additional nonprofits and digital news services. Applications are open through May 31, 2021. More information can be found at www.sba.gov/ppp.
Employee Retention and Paid Leave Credit Programs
The Employee Retention Credit has been extended through December. The credit provides small businesses who saw revenues decline, or whose revenues were shuttered due to COVID-19, up to $7,000 per quarter, with a total credit of $28,000 per employee for 2021. Paid Leave Credits have been extended through September, with dollar-for-dollar tax credits of up to $5,000 being provided in wages if employers offer their employees paid leave for illness, quarantining or caregiving.
COVID-19 Relief Funding Updates
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
As of last week, the City’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has drawn more than 4,800 applications with more than $11.6 million in requests received for rent and utility assistance. The City and County’s partner organization, Restore Hope Ministries, is processing each application and will notify the tenants who have been approved.
Applicants can check the status of their pending applications online at: https://erap.restorehope.org/ERAPStatus/Home/CheckStatus.
It is important to note the funds will go directly to the landlord or property manager.
The program’s goal is to help any tenant within the Tulsa city county area who has been affected directly or indirectly during the pandemic. The City of Tulsa was awarded more than $12 million for ERAP from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. To find out if you’re eligible and apply for the assistance, visit https://erap.restorehope.org/. For more information on the program, call (918) 528-9008.
Homelessness Response
The City’s overflow shelter has seen more than 23,089 visitations at the former Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Center. The emergency shelter opened in September 2020 to help individuals experiencing homelessness. The facility, under the lead of the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, continues to provide crucial services during the pandemic that include shelter, free wellness exams, veterinary care, legal aid and case management. Meals are provided through a partnership with Iron Gate, with 37,830 having been administered to date. Other partners in this citywide effort include the Community Service Council and Housing Partners of Tulsa.
The money allocation is also helping fund the City Lights Hotel, in partnership with the City Lights Foundation. It provides a low-barrier shelter for those experiencing homelessness. Thanks to a partnership among local restaurants, the staff provides three meals a day for the hotel residents along with case management and connection to support services.
Connect Tulsa
Eligible households can sign up for subsidized internet service through the City’s partnership with Cox Communications. To qualify for the service, residents must currently lack internet at home and 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 see if you qualify, contact Tulsa Responds at (918) 900-0918 or visit: https://www.tulsaresponds.org/
Financial Empowerment Center
Since the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) launched in December, it has served 58 clients and has held 136 sessions. The one-on-one financial counseling is free for individuals, regardless of income, who are looking for long-term help in their financial goals. The topics include dealing with debt, creating a budget, building their savings and improving their credit. These are ongoing sessions with a trained counselor. Services are available in English and Spanish, as well as other languages supported through “Language Line.” You can schedule an appointment online or call (918) 802-7279.
Financial Navigators
The Financial Navigators (FN) program also assists individuals with free financial advice, but the sessions are shorter than FEC. Counselors assist individuals with more immediate needs. The service is for those who need quick, immediate help on their finances. To date, 355 sessions have been completed and 1,706 referrals have been given. Navigators speak with clients over the phone, helping them identify resources and send them action steps they can take. Services are offered in Spanish, Zomi and Burmese. Utilities hardship, rental assistance and food insecurity continue to be the top three topics of concern among callers. More information on the program, along with how to schedule an appointment, can be found online or by calling 211.
Student Support Camps
The City of Tulsa Parks and Recreation’s student support camps remain open Monday through Friday, with Virtual Wednesdays, to help with students’ distance learning. The camps offer pod-style learning areas where students 1st through 6th grade can complete distance learning under the supervision of a support aide. There is a $25 fee per student per week. To register, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/camps
To learn more about other programs funded by COVID-19 relief funding, visit: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/cares
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