Coronavirus, Tulsa COVID-19 Update – Oct. 27

10/27/2020

Situation Update
To date, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) has confirmed 21,829 positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County. 19,376 residents have recovered and 201 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.

Hospitalizations continue to rise in Tulsa and throughout the State of Oklahoma. Tulsa is surpassing hospitalization numbers from July and March/April. It’s more important than ever to work to slow the spread by wearing a mask, washing your hands and watching your distance. Masks are required for any person ages 10 and over in Tulsa city limits in areas where social distancing cannot be followed, such as the grocery store. For more information on masks in Tulsa, visit www.cityoftusa.org/masks.

CARES Act Updates
The City of Tulsa’s allocation of State CARES Act funding continues to support the personal and financial, health, safety and resilience of Tulsa residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the launch of the emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness at the Tulsa County juvenile detention center, there have been 3,772 visits and 55 people have enrolled in the overnight shelter. In addition to the more than 5,500 meals provided in partnership with Iron Gate, shelter resources include medical care, case management and veterinary care for their pets. The shelter averages eight pets per day.

In partnership with the City Lights Foundation, the quarantine hotel is currently housing 48 individuals experiencing homelessness. It provides a safe place for people to isolate who have either tested positive for COVID-19 or were symptomatic waiting for test results. In 24 weeks, the City Lights Hotel has also helped permanently house 31 residents, accounting for more than 70 years of cumulative homelessness. Thanks to a partnership among local restaurants, the staff provides three meals a day for the hotel residents.

Local families can now receive subsidized internet services as part of the Internet Access Plan, a unique partnership between the City, Cox Communications, Tulsa Responds and Impact Tulsa. The goal is to provide internet connectivity to households that currently lack the service. Those who qualify will receive COX High Speed Internet at no cost to them for up to 14 months. Tulsa Responds’ team of navigators are assisting families in the enrollment process. It will be hosting a virtual informational session on November 5 at 6:30 p.m. To see if you qualify or learn more about the subsidy, visit https://www.tulsaresponds.org/ or call (918) 900-0918.

The Financial Navigators program continues to offer financial advice to Tulsans affected by the pandemic. The phone session is offered at no cost, and 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

For additional details on City programs funded by the CARES Act, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/CARES

November 3 Election Updates 
Voters have until 5 p.m. this evening to request an absentee ballot from the Oklahoma State Election Board for the November 3 election. To request an absentee ballot, visit www.ok.gov/elections.

This week, there will be a three-day early voting period from Thurs., Oct. 29 – Sat., Oct. 31. Given the expected number of voters and the need to social distance, ONEOK Field will be the ONLY early voting location for the November 3 Presidential Election. The centrally located, open-air venue will allow Election Board staff to ensure the success of early voting and the safety of all voters. There will be ample parking available near and around ONEOK Field with accessible parking and entrances available for those voters who need accommodations.

Additionally, the League of Women Voters of Tulsa has sponsored free rides on all Tulsa Transit fixed daytime routes on Early Voting Days.  

Tulsa Transit is also partnering with the Tulsa County Election Board to offer a free shuttle from their location at 555 N. Denver Ave. to ONEOK Field and back. This shuttle will operate in conjunction with Early Voting Day hours and is open to public. See the parking map for details on parking and Tulsa Transit stop locations.

Voters are required to wear masks in Tulsa city limits and all should practice social distancing. Please note absentee ballots cannot be dropped off at ONEOK Field.

Because all available Election Board staff members will be needed to facilitate early voting at one large site, the Tulsa County Election Board will not be available for early voting, but will be open for other business including in-person absentee ballot drop-off. In-person absentee ballots must be dropped off no later than 5 p.m. on November 2 and voters must show the same identification required for in-person voting.