Health Officials Remind Oklahomans To Stay Home If They’re Sick This Holiday Season

The holidays are around the corner, and many are spending time with loved ones. 

However, before people hop on a plane or agree to host, health experts are asking that people make sure they aren’t exposing their family to any illnesses.  

According to the CDC, only about half of Oklahoma is in the ‘low risk’ category for COVID-19.   

“Overall, we are seeing an increase in the rise of covid cases but in a positive development we are seeing a decrease in the number of hospitalizations. The only big concern is: what is the impact we are putting on our healthcare system?” Staceee Hoye, the Chief of Clinical Services for the Oklahoma City County Health Department, said.  

While it is the season of giving, health officials want to make sure people aren’t passing on COVID-19. 

“The number one thing that people need to be mindful of as we go into the holiday season is that if you are sick, stay home,” Hoye said.  

Recent data from the CDC has 25 counties in the medium risk and 12 in the high-risk category. Both Tulsa and Oklahoma counties are in the medium category. 

“We would like to be back in the ‘low’ and as we come out of the winter months, we should see that natural drop,” she said. 

The federal government is reinstating their free at-home Covid tests and encourages people to order four more kits. 

“You can always go to your primary care physician if you have one and get kind of the whole gambit. They will test you for the flu, they will test you for strep, they will test you for COVID,” the Chief of Clinical Services said.  

If people are traveling through airports this season and want to be extra cautious, they encourage wearing a mask.  

“We don’t necessarily have a mask mandate but if you want to protect your health and take it one step farther, I would absolutely recommend wearing a mask,” Hoye said.  

People can get the COVID and Flu vaccine at the same time. They are available at most metro pharmacies.