Ten Tulsa County ZIP codes are in the high-risk category in the Tulsa Health Department’s second COVID-19 hazard update, and 32 are in the moderate category.
The color-coded map will be updated each Friday and uses the 14-day average of active cases per 1,000 residents by ZIP code.
The Tulsa Health Department developed its own risk map based on Johns Hopkins University methodology to provide clarity, timeliness and local insights after confusion arose because of conflicting state and White House hazard trackers.
The THD interactive map launched Sept. 28 with 12 ZIP codes in the high-risk — or orange — designation. Twenty-nine were in the moderate risk category — yellow — and one was in the low-risk green.
The map was updated Friday to show 10 orange ZIP codes and 32 yellow ones. Red is severe risk.
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Bruce Dart, executive director of Tulsa Health Department, said Monday that the map is showing a positive trend.
Before it released the interactive map to the public, the Tulsa Health Department observed it privately for a couple of weeks to iron out kinks and found that at first about 16 ZIP codes were orange, Dart said.
“It’s our goal to get everybody in green, and I think we’re ever so slowly trending in that direction” he said.
Vigilance and adherence to COVID-19 precautions are necessary, he said, adding that that is difficult given how long people have had to deal with the pandemic.
“If people continue to follow guidelines, we can absolutely get there and stay safe until we do have a vaccine for everybody,” Dart said.
The map can be viewed at tulsa-health.org/tulsa-county-covid-19-data.
The White House Coronavirus Task Force portrays a distinctly different view of COVID’s threat in Oklahoma from that of the state’s map touted by Gov. Kevin Stitt.
In the Sept. 24 White House report, nearly half of the state’s 77 counties — 37 — are in the red zone for high levels of spread. Four-fifths — 61 — have at least moderate spread.
Oklahoma’s weekly new case rate and test positivity rates are double the national average, each ranking in the top five worst in the country.
But Stitt’s COVID-19 Alert System shows the vast majority of the state to be at moderate risk for the novel coronavirus.
In the state’s system, all but 15 of the 77 counties are in the orange, or moderate, risk category. The remaining 15 are in the lower-risk yellow category.
Featured video: Tulsa Health Department’s Bruce Dart talks about COVID-19 hazard map
Speaking Sept. 28, Dr. Dart said that "It's gratifying that we have more yellow zip codes that are at risk than orange, and none that are red."
Gallery: COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
How it spreads, who's at risk
Studies have shown many infected people show no symptoms or have symptoms so mild they may go undetected; those people can still transmit COVID-19 to About 20% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 require hospitalization.
The disease can be fatal, especially for vulnerable populations: those older than 65, living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and anyone with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or obesity.
Science of virus spread
COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets produced by an infected person. Spread is most likely when people are in close contact, within about 6 feet. A person might also be infected with COVID-19 after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their face. According to the CDC, evidence suggests the novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces, though that form of transmission is said to be minor.
Transmission between people more than 6 feet from one another may occur in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces, the CDC says, especially where activities cause heavier breathing, such as singing or exercising.
The infectious period for patients can begin up to 48 hours before symptom onset.
List of symptoms
The CDC recently expanded its list of possible symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms can appear from two days to two weeks after exposure.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and will continue to be updated by the CDC. One symptom not included is "purple toes," which someone may experience with no other symptoms, sometimes several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over. The coloration and pain is caused by a lack of blood flow to the toes caused by excessive blood clotting, a late-stage concern with COVID-19 infections.
Kinds of testing
Those getting tested may experience different kinds of swabs. The viral test, known as PCR, involves a deep nasal swab that can be painful.
Other tests that require less-invasive swabs may produce results faster, but with less accuracy. These should not be used diagnostically.
It is not yet known whether COVID-19 antibodies can protect someone being infected again or how long protection might last.
The 'serious seven'
The "serious seven" refer to close contact environments where residents should take extra precautions if they choose to attend. The seven are gyms, weddings, house gatherings, bars, funerals, faith-based activities and other small events, according to Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart.
Treatments being investigated
The FDA has allowed for antiviral drug remdesivir, previously tested on humans with Ebola, to treat more severe cases of COVID-19 in adults and children. Safety and effectiveness aside, preliminary studies have shown it can shorten recovery time for some patients.
After previously approving an emergency use authorization, the FDA as of July 1 cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial. A review of safety issues includes reports of serious heart rhythm problems and other safety issues, including blood and lymph system disorders, kidney injuries, and liver problems and failure.
Convalescent serum therapy
Some patients are receiving convalescent serum, meaning the antibodies made by people who have recovered after a COVID-19 infection. Antibody-rich blood plasma is being given to severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients, including Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, OSU Center for Health Sciences and Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa.
From June to July, requests for convalescent plasma from the Oklahoma Blood Institute multiplied seven-fold.
Recovery, as defined by CDC
To be considered recovered (without a test), these three things must happen, the CDC advises:
- No fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of normal temperature without the use of medicine)
- Other symptoms improved (no more cough, etc.)
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared
