The Tulsa Health Department has updated its COVID-19 ZIP code risk map to reflect worsening local infection rates.
The new system adds four shades of red to help show increasing risk, with the darkest three dubbed Extreme Severe Risk, Extreme Severe Risk II and Extreme Severe Risk III.
The old "severe risk" category included any ZIP code with a new case rate higher than 0.34 per 1,000. THD said several ZIP codes are registering infection rates double or triple that.
"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 THD Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart.
Currently, 35 out of 42 Tulsa County ZIP codes are designated as at least severe risk, and 11 are at an extreme severe risk level.
At the severe risk level, THD recommends residents stay home except for trips to get food or medical care or unless they’re an essential worker.
