Covid-19 News and Information

[TheTravellers]

The Most Common Places COVID Is Spreading Right Now (And Where It's Not)

[Pete]

Press release:

*************

Flu Shot and COVID Vaccine Safe for Co-Administration

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages all Oklahomans to get the flu shot as soon as they are able this flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states COVID-19 vaccines may be administered without regard to timing of other vaccines, meaning the flu shot and COVID vaccine can be safely co-administered the same day.

Previously, a waiting time of two weeks was suggested between administration of the COVID vaccine and any other vaccinations. It is now known adverse side effects are unlikely from co-administration of the COVID vaccine and others. It is considered best practice to administer the vaccines in separate limbs if possible.

The flu and COVID have very similar symptoms along with the common cold and seasonal allergies; it is also possible to contract both the flu and COVID at the same time. For this reason, it is important to protect yourself and others in the best way possible – through vaccination. The CDC and OSDH both recommend getting vaccinated for both the flu and COVID as soon as possible.

“Now is the time to get vaccinated,” says Dr. Fauzia Khan, director of OSDH Immunization Service. “With the holidays approaching, the flu and COVID both continue to be a threat to our families and communities. Stay safe this holiday season by protecting yourself and others through immunization.”

For protections against seasonal allergies and other upper respiratory illnesses, continue to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible and wash hands and wipe down surfaces frequently. You may also consult your health care provider to determine the best medication for allergies.

To learn more about finding flu and COVID shots in Oklahoma, visit vaccines.gov. Oklahomans can also call the 2-1-1 helpline or contact their county health departments for assistance.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

[Pete]

895 new cases today. Last several Wednesdays: 1,218; 1,096; 1,500; 2,244; 1,966; 1,310; 2,538.

7-day average now 1,035.

Hospitalizations are 632 (-42).

ICU is 210 (-8).

[Bill Robertson]

The Most Common Places COVID Is Spreading Right Now (And Where It's Not)

If this study is accurate, and I feel it probably is, then this is actually a positive. Bars and restaurants are operating at full capacity. Football has been going for 5, 6 or 7 weeks depending on the level. Add outdoor and indoor concerts. And our numbers nationally and here in OK are still going down. Gives me hope that we might actually control this thing.

[TheTravellers]

Hospital staffing shortage in Oklahoma hits over 30% of hospitals

"34% of hospitals across Oklahoma now have staff shortages according to an Oct. 15 report from the White House, CDC, and other federal agencies.

That’s a 5% increase from the previous week. It puts Oklahoma in the ‘red,’ or the second highest level of concern established by the metrics. The state has been in this category since early August."

[Bellaboo]

Thank God the infections are coming down.

[Bill Robertson]

Thank God the infections are coming down.

Amen!!!!

[Pete]

1,148 new cases today. Last several Thursdays: 1,181; 1,501; 1,880; 2,361; 2,263; 2,452; 3,274.

7-day average down to 862.

Hospitalizations are 642 (+10).

ICU is 208 (-2).

[PoliSciGuy]

Nice, average below 1,000 now. Hopefully it keeps getting lower and lower.

[oklip955]

Nice, average below 1,000 now. Hopefully it keeps getting lower and lower.

i was hoping we would be seeing more below 1000 new cases aday days.

[BDP]

Pfizer vaccine very effective against Delta variant in adolescents in Israel

[Pete]

1,049 new cases today. Last several Fridays: 1,179; 445; 1,452; 1,230; 2,124; 2,627; 3,080.

7-day average now 1,012.

Hospitalizations are 627 (-15).

ICU is 206 (-2).

[Bunty]

If this study is accurate, and I feel it probably is, then this is actually a positive. Bars and restaurants are operating at full capacity. Football has been going for 5, 6 or 7 weeks depending on the level. Add outdoor and indoor concerts. And our numbers nationally and here in OK are still going down. Gives me hope that we might actually control this thing.

I hope restaurants are requiring workers to wear masks. Mexico Joe's in Stillwater does.

[Bill Robertson]

I hope restaurants are requiring workers to wear masks. Mexico Joe's in Stillwater does.

None in OKC do that I've been to or know of except some fast food places. And judging from retail stores I've been in lately I think masks in most places for most people are history. At least even with this the numbers are still going down.

[TheTravellers]

None in OKC do that I've been to or know of except some fast food places. And judging from retail stores I've been in lately I think masks in most places for most people are history. At least even with this the numbers are still going down.

We still wear masks out. Employees at Walgreens, OSO, Scratch, Target, Chow's, Sprout's, and BBB all have been wearing masks. Customers at any of those places - not so much except at Walgreens.

[Timshel]

I'd say 75%+ of the places I frequent (could be self-selection on my part), which are generally located in the Paseo/Uptown/Western, still have everyone wearing masks.

[Bill Robertson]

We still wear masks out. Employees at Walgreens, OSO, Scratch, Target, Chow's, Sprout's, and BBB all have been wearing masks. Customers at any of those places - not so much except at Walgreens.

We still mask up too at the stores we go to. Mostly Homeland on 122nd, Walmart and Home Depot on NW Exp. Homeland is maybe 30% customers wearing masks. Walmart is 20% and Home Depot on a good day is 10%. I've actually had pretty stare at me at Home Depot even though employees there are required that wear masks.

[Pete]

2,094 new cases for the 3-day period. Last several Mondays: 3,571; 4,919; 3,839; 5,346; 5,998; 7,380.

7-day average now 741.

Hospitalizations are 618 (-9).

ICU is 208 (+2).

[Pete]

446 new cases today. Last several Tuesdays: 422; 595; 682; 648; 1,029.

7-day average now 677.

Hospitalizations are 535 (-83).

ICU is 188 (-20).

[David]

FDA says benefits outweigh risks for Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children

NEW YORK, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Scientists at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Friday that the likely benefits of giving the Pfizer (PFE.N)/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to 5 to 11 year olds clearly outweigh the risks of rare cases of heart inflammation.

Earlier on Friday, the vaccine makers said their shot showed 90.7% efficacy against the coronavirus in a clinical trial of children 5 to 11 years old.

The details were in briefing documents published ahead of a meeting of a panel of outside experts scheduled to vote on Tuesday whether to recommend the FDA authorize the shots for the young age group.

If the FDA authorizes the Pfizer/BioNTech immunization for children 5 to 11 years old, it would be the first COVID-19 vaccine for the age group and shots could be available in the United States in early November.

[Pete]

865 new cases today. Last several Wednesdays: 895; 1,218; 1,096; 1,500; 2,244; 1,966.

7-day average now 800.

Hospitalizations are 512 (-23).

ICU is 179 (-9).

[Pete]

696 new cases today. Last several Thursdays: 1,148; 1,181; 1,501; 1,880; 2,361; 2,263; 2,452.

7-day average now 736.

Hospitalizations are 511 (-1).

ICU is 172 (-7).

[David]

OU, OSU announce COVID vaccine mandate for employees

Oklahoma's two largest universities announced Friday they will require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to comply with a Biden Administration mandate.

The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University said all employees must be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8, except those who legally qualify for a medical or religious exemption.

The mandates apply to student employees but not to OU and OSU's general student populations.

[Pete]

920 new cases today. Last several Fridays: 1,049; 1,179; 1,452; 1,230; 2,124; 2,627.

7-day average now 717.

Hospitalizations are 506 (-5).

ICU is 168 (-4).

[Pete]

1,374 new cases for the 3-day period. Last several Mondays: 2,094; 3,571; 4,919; 3,839; 5,346; 5,998; 7,380.

7-day average now 551.

Hospitalizations are 472 (-34).

ICU is 160 (-8).