TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Health Department added a new color to the Tulsa County COVID-19 zip code map.
Officials expanded the color system and added new guidance for residents within “extremely severe risk” zip codes.
The zip code map, which reflects the daily active case rate per 1,000 residents, is updated on a weekly basis. The thresholds are based on Johns Hopkins metrics for understanding the reach and severity of risk.
“THD created this map so that Tulsa County residents can learn about the risk level for each zip code in our community, and receive clear, fact-based guidance to stay safe according to the current level. When we realized that several zip codes were double or even triple the rate for the red level, we recognized the need to expand the color system to more clearly illustrate the severity of the spread of the virus,” said THD Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart.
There are now four shades of red to highlight risk. The three darkest shades of red are designated as extremely severe risk. Currently, 35 out of 42 Tulsa County zip codes are designated as severe or extremely severe risk. People in those areas are encouraged to stay home unless they are essential personnel traveling for work or to acquire medical care or food.
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Residents in extremely high-risk zip codes are urged to work from home if possible and utilize curbside pick-up or contactless delivery for restaurants, grocery shopping, medical supplies and holiday shopping.
“Our mission is to protect the health and well-being of everyone in our community. It is imperative that we take an effective, fact-based approach to stopping this pandemic. The three W’s - wearing a mask, watching your distance and washing your hands – continue to remain paramount to keep ourselves and those we care about safe. As you make your holiday plans, consider the severity within your own zip code and follow the public health guidelines to stay safe,” said Dr. Dart.
The Tulsa Health Department continues to offer specimen collection for COVID-19 testing by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled online.
Call 918-582-9355 to speak to a public health professional. For more information, please visit www.tulsa-health.org/COVID19.
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