TULSA, Okla. — Despite the ongoing community spread of COVID-19 in Tulsa County, the latest data offers a glimmer of hope.
There have been fewer positive cases reported from August 4 to August 16, according to the Tulsa Health Department (THD).
"I think people are becoming more compliant around the three W’s, watch your distance, wear your mask, wash your hands. I mean those are our only tools to mitigate spread. I think we're seeing more and more of that,” explained Dr. Bruce Dart, the executive director of THD.
Despite the encouraging trend, Dr. Dart is concerned about in-person learning and what that could mean for the community.
"Several schools have made the decision to open up in the classroom. We know that when people come together, there’s potential for transmission and potential for increasing cases," said Dr. Dart.
He said the midwest experienced similar trends that other communities in the U.S have experienced and would not like to see what happened in Georgia last week. The Cherokee County School District closed one of its high schools after 25 students became infected with the coronavirus. About 500 were placed in quarantine.
"Hopefully students, faculty, teachers will continue to take precautions, and hopefully we won’t see a surge in cases as schools start," said Dr. Dart.
Another worry he has is sports, such as football and other activities that require group settings.
"At this juncture with the degree of incidents in our community, these contact sports especially aren’t very safe whether it’s high school, college, even professional," said Dr. Dart.
He believes as long as people follow safety guidelines and keep wearing their masks and social distancing, Tulsa County could continue to see fewer cases.
WATCH: Full interview with Dr. Dart
If you are feeling sick and are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
The Tulsa Health Department offers free testing at two locations by appointment only. For more information, click here.
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