The Tulsa Health Department provided an update on the COVID-19 Delta variant situation Wednesday.

THD said hospitalizations continue to rise, with weekly new cases reaching 2020 levels.

According to health department data, the 3-day average for hospitalizations in Tulsa County as of July 14th was 107, with 45 patients in intensive care units. The latest available data indicates those numbers have increased to 175 hospitalizations, with 70 patients in the ICU. Additionally, 613 new weekly cases were reported among Tulsa County residents on July 14th, a 69.8% increase from the week prior.

Today, 1,120 new weekly cases were reported, another 82.7% increase over the previous week. This is nearly identical to the same week last year, when 1,118 new cases were reported the week ending on July 21, 2020.

With the data indicating greater community spread, the Tulsa Health Department continues to urge everyone 12 and up to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

“The COVID-19 vaccines remain the best prevention tool against the virus that has killed more than 1,148 Tulsa County residents, and I encourage everyone 12 years and older to receive the vaccine if you haven’t done so already,” said THD Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart.

Dr. Dart urges folks who are not vaccinated to wear a mask while indoors or in close contact with other people.

According to THD, unvaccinated people appear to be driving the spread. The latest available data indicates that among newly identified cases since July 4th, 36.4% of new cases were among individuals age 18-35. The latest available immunization data indicates that among Tulsa County residents under the age of 35, only 17.4% are fully vaccinated. That includes residents who are under the age of 12 and therefor ineligible for vaccination.

To date, 49.7% of all Tulsa County residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

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