Situation Update
To date, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) has confirmed 65,555 positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County. 60,688 residents have recovered and 606 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.
Super Bowl Guidance
COVID-19 continues to spread very efficiently in our community, and it’s important to continue to practice social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding crowds.
The safest way to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday is at home with those who reside in your household. Gathering with anyone who does not live in your household carries risk. If you choose to take that risk, it’s imperative to follow the 3 W’s of prevention and wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance by remaining at least 6 feet away from others. Outdoors is safer than indoors, but crowds of people are still concerning
Vaccine Update
THD continues to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals in Tulsa County. Under the Oklahoma Priority Framework, all health care workers, first responders, and Oklahomans age 65 and over are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the Oklahoma State Immunization Information System (OSIIS), THD has administered 24,053 vaccines to date, which includes 4,713 second doses. There have been more than 77,100 doses administered in Tulsa County and documented in OSIIS as of February 2.
Appointments are required to receive the vaccine at the THD vaccine clinic, and must be scheduled using the Oklahoma Vaccine Portal at vaccinate.oklahoma.gov.
COVID-19 Relief Funding Updates
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The City of Tulsa has hired an Emergency Rental Assistance program manager to oversee a new program that will aid households who are unable to pay rent and utilities. The program manager will work closely with local housing partners to distribute more than $12 million awarded to the City by the federal government. The City is currently developing the Emergency Rental Assistance program; more details will be provided as they become available.
Request for Proposals (RFP)
The City of Tulsa is seeking proposals from eligible nonprofits to address the negative local effects of the pandemic and award up to $6.5 million in grants. The COVID-19 Relief Grant Request for Proposals (RFP) is open until February 19. For details on the eligibility, evaluation process and how to apply, visit www.cityoftulsa.orgt/cares. Additionally, an informational webinar was held virtually to answer questions from the public and interested organizations. Watch the Video.
Homelessness Response
The overflow shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness that opened in September 2020 continues to provide this vulnerable population with day and night shelter services at the former Juvenile Detention Center while other local shelters are operating at reduced capacity to allow for social distancing. To date, more than 14,574 visits have been made to the shelter. Shelter resources include medical care, vet care for their pets and case management. More than 23,875 meals have been distributed at the shelter in partnership with Iron Gate.
In partnership with the City Lights Foundation, the quarantine hotel has provided shelter to more than 200 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. The City Lights Hotel has also helped permanently house 40 individuals. Thanks to a partnership among local restaurants, the staff provides three meals a day for the hotel residents.
Internet Access Plan
More than 750 households have signed up for subsidized internet service through the City’s partnership with Cox Communications. 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 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: www.tulsaresponds.org
Financial Navigators
The Financial Navigators (FN) program continues to offer free financial advice to Tulsans who need quick, immediate help on their finances. To date, 160 sessions have been completed and 1,356 referrals given. Navigators speak with clients over the phone, 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. For more information on the program and to schedule an appointment, visit: www.finnav.org/interest-tulsa
Financial Empowerment Center
The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) has served 15 clients since the launch in December 2020 and has held 27 sessions. The one-on-one financial counseling is free for individuals, regardless of income, who are looking for long-term help to meet their financial goals. The topics include dealing with debt, creating a budget, building their savings and improving their credit. The FEC sessions are longer than the Financial Navigator program, which assists individuals with more immediate needs. Trained counselors are available in English and Spanish, as well as other languages supported through “Language Line” For more information, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/blueprint. You can schedule an appointment online or call (918) 802-7279.
Student Support Camps
The City of Tulsa Parks and Recreation has spots available at its community centers for the student support camps. The camps offer pod-style learning areas where students 1st through 6th grade can complete distance learning under the supervision of a support aide. They are open Monday through Friday and have about 10 students per pod. There is a $25 fee per student per week. To register, please visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/camps
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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.
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