Today, Mayor G.T. Bynum, Tulsa Health Department (THD) Executive Director Dr. Dart, Tulsa County Commissioner Stan Sallee and Dr. Dr. Damon Baker, Chief Medical Officer for OSU Medical Center gave an update on COVID-19 in the Tulsa area.
During the news conference, Mayor Bynum shared that hospitalization levels continue to see a downward trend. In the Tulsa area, a month ago, on August 16, the Tulsa area reached the peak of this current surge with 27.9 percent of all hospital patients diagnosed with COVID-19. As of today, that level is down to 16.6 percent. Mayor Bynum said this percentage is still too high, but thanked individuals for doing their part to help protect our community.
“I am grateful to see us on a sustained downward trajectory and want to thank everyone who is playing your part to protect our local health care system by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask when appropriate and washing your hands,” Bynum said.
Vaccine Information
71.4 percent of Tulsa County residents eligible to be vaccinated (those over the age of 12) have received a least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Anyone 12 years old and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge, regardless of health insurance status. THD is also administering third doses for immunocompromised individuals. The three vaccines being administered in Tulsa County are Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.
There are various places to receive the vaccine, such as THD, local pharmacies, and doctor’s offices. To learn more about the vaccine and to schedule an appointment, visit www.vaccinate918.com
Mask/Vaccination Resolution
The City of Tulsa has a mask and vaccination resolution in place within Tulsa city limits that encourages Tulsans to wear a mask in public settings and encourages all eligible individuals to get vaccinated.
The City is enforcing its trespassing laws at any business who wishes to require masks in its establishment. To learn more about mask-wearing in Tulsa and to find updated ‘Face Coverings Required’ posters and flyers that anyone can post at their business or event, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/masks.
Testing Information
THD is also offering free COVID-19 testing. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, stay home and go get a COVID-19 test. To make an appointment for a test, or to see a list of locations receiving walk-ins, visit https://tulsa-health.org/request-covid-19-test.
For questions about vaccinations and testing, call THD at (918) 582-9355.