OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Officers say the Delta variant is without doubt one of the components as new COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise in Central Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Metropolis-County Well being Division on Wednesday, issued a plea to the unvaccinated to roll up their sleeves for individuals who can’t.
Oklahoma County has the perfect vaccination price within the state however nonetheless greater than 300,000 residents haven’t gotten the shot. Specialists say that should change as colleges are about to open
“We kinda took a trip from COVID for a few months and its again,” stated Phil Maytubby, COO of the OCCHD.
The Oklahoma Metropolis County Well being Division says their new case 7-day common is up 98 p.c within the final week. With hospitalization quantity rising. They are saying 98 p.c of these in care haven’t been vaccinated. Officers say extra Oklahomans getting the shot is the important thing to combatting the current spike.
“That is the one means we’re going to cease this,” stated Maytubby.
One massive group in danger is younger kids. There have been 127 circumstances in youngsters, 11 and youthful, this month. There’s been a 29 p.c enhance in circumstances for that age group since Could. Oklahoma Metropolis Public Faculties are slated to begin August 9, however OCCHD officers say an emergency permitted vaccine for teenagers gained’t be out there till late September or October, on the earliest.
“When you’ve got not been vaccinated and you’ve got the luxurious of getting a vaccine out there to you, please do it for the youngsters,” stated OCCHD CEO Dr. Patrick McGough.
OCCHD officers are asking those that are already vaccinated to speak to their mates, household and coworkers who are usually not, about getting the shot particularly within the 12-35 age vary. That group is lagging behind.
Officers say they are going to proceed to comply with CDC pointers and, at this level, won’t ask for a masks mandate or for these already vaccinated to put on masks indoors. However that’s not stopping some companies like Coven Salon in downtown Oklahoma Metropolis from reinstituting their very own guidelines.
“With the numbers going up and the potential of individuals getting sick once more, we simply wish to defend our purchasers in addition to ourselves. We’re asking everybody vaccinated or to not put on a masks simply to be secure,” stated Mandi Heldreth of Coven Salon.
OCCHD says vaccinations can be found six days per week at their places and so is testing if you happen to present any indicators of signs. Go to their web site Vaxokc.com for particulars.
