COVID-19 Cases Rise; New Booster Expected To Be Available This Fall

Healthcare leaders say the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa is steadily increasing. Over the last several weeks, doctors at Hillcrest Medical Center's Emergency Room have said they've seen more patients come in with cases of COVID-19. 

Emergency physician Dr. Jeff Johnson said that before July, there weren't many patients coming in with COVID-19. He said there are currently 21 patients in the Hillcrest system with COVID-19. While that may not seem like a lot, he said it's more than Hillcrest has been seeing.

Dr. Johnson believes the increase could be related to people being around each other for celebrations and even kids going back to school. He said that right now, the majority of patients coming to the ER with COVID-19 tend to have other issues as well.

"The people that are really sick that are getting admitted typically tend to be older patients, patients with chronic diseases. Maybe they have poor immune systems due to cancer or chemotherapy, or they have underlying chronic lung disease," Dr. Johnson said.

Dr. Johnson also said he has started seeing more babies and young children testing positive for COVID. While infections in those people may be less severe, doctors said the virus could still spread to others. 

Dr. Johnson said there is a new booster coming out soon for anyone looking for a little extra protection against the virus.

"If you’re sick, you should stay home, stay away from people. There’s going to be updated COVID vaccines coming out in the fall, so I recommend people make appointments and get that to protect yourself from getting illness and then severe illness also," Dr. Johnson said.

Dr. Johnson also said he thinks there will likely be another spike in cases as we get closer to the holidays like we usually do with viruses like the flu.