Tulsa County is still at just one case of COVID-19.
The Tulsa Health Department said tests for pending cases have come back negative. Tulsa County's first case of the illness caused by the coronavirus was announced Friday.
The person with the illness, a man in his 50s who returned to Tulsa from Italy on Feb. 23, developed symptoms Feb. 29 and was tested after contacting his doctor. He has been in isolation at home since then.
People who exhibit symptoms of the illness caused by the coronavirus, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, should call their doctor or the Tulsa Health Department before going to be seen. Health department Executive Director Doctor Bruce Dart said that’s because while Oklahoma can run its own tests now, it has a limited number of kits and cannot test everyone.
"Right now, the primary concern is travelers coming in from our Level 3 countries, China and Italy and Iran and South Korea. Until we start to get – and, once again, it’s only a matter of when – but until we start to get community-acquired cases, the travel focus is our main concern," Dart said.
The health department’s phone number is 918-582-WELL (9355).
"We’ll listen to your list of symptoms. We’ll ask you some questions that will determine if you’ve had possible exposure, and if you have, then either your physician or staff from the Tulsa Health Department will arrange with your physician to get you tested and get the sample sent to the state laboratory," Dart said.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has a toll-free number people can call with questions about COVID-19. That number is 1-877-215-8336. The Tulsa Health Department has also set up a website with information about the illness.
Travelers returning from China, Italy, South Korea or Iran should self-isolate for 14 days and report any signs and symptoms to a health care provider. Health officials say all cruise ship travel to and within Asia should be avoided.
