Similar to Fire Danger Level Visual
In a move first suggested by a state legislator and picked up by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, a new color-coded alert system for Covid-19 has been launched. It is an easy to understand assessment of the risk level for contracting the virus in various counites and can be used to guide decision making and behaviors.
There are four measurements with assigned color categories that identify the risk level in each county.
“This new COVID-19 alert system marries OSDH’s robust data reporting with additional public health steps that should be considered county by county to confront elevated risks of community spread,” said Interim Health Commissioner Lance Frye, M.D. “The color-coded system is an easy way for business owners, local leaders, and the public to know at a glance when extra precautions should be taken.”
Colors are based on daily new cases per 100,000 population. A statewide map is issued at 11 a.m. every Friday and is based on a 7-day average.
Green is for areas with the fewest new cases daily, followed by yellow, orange and red. A county is considered high risk when there are more than 14 daily new cases per 100,000 residents.
Color codes can be triggered by other criteria as well, including the percentage of intensive care beds available, number of surgical beds available, amount of ventilators available and number of days of personal protective equipment supply on hand at various medical facilities.
If a county is in the red zone, the state will offer additional assistance on the county plan to reduce the spread and treat the affected residents. Red is also indicative of added pressure on statewide health care capacity from Covid-19.
The color alert system is likely to be further revised as situations evolve.
Suggestions as to decision making and health care behaviors for each risk category is available for residents, businesses, those in the high-risk category and children on the COVID-19 dashboard at coronavirus.health.ok.gov.