Coronavirus in Oklahoma: OCCHD is moving drive-thru testing site
by Staff reports
The Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) announced Sunday that it will move its drive-thru testing operation from the Fairgrounds Bennett Event Center in Oklahoma City to the parking lot of the department's Southern Oaks Health and Wellness Campus at 6728 S Hudson.
Testing will resume between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday, according to a news release. Those in need of appointments can begin calling the OCCHD Nurse Triage line at 405-425-4489 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The department collected more than 7,300 samples in nine weeks of operation at the fairgrounds.
On June 1, OCCHD will begin offering drive-thru testing at the Northeast Regional Health and Wellness Campus parking lot from 7 to 9 a.m. at 2600 NE 63. The Southern Oaks Campus will offer the same hours also beginning June 1.
Additionally, the University of Oklahoma Health Center offers testing by appointment only. Call the OU Medicine Hotline at 405-271-7774 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment. That testing site is 1000 NE 10.
The Perry Klassen Family Medical Center also offers testing at 1901 Springlake Drive. Call 405-419-9800 for more information.
For more information, please visit www.occhd.org.
Bank approves millions in small business loans
First Fidelity Bank President and CEO Lee Symcox announced last week that the bank has approved more than 1,600 special loans to small businesses through the federal Payroll Protection Program totaling $176 million, an average of $108,000 per loan.
The Small Business Association’s Payroll Protection Program provides loans as a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The association will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities, according to a news release.
"First Fidelity Bank is proud to help thousands of small businesses to stay open and be able to pay their employees during the pandemic," Symcox said in the release. "One hundred seventy-six million dollars that wouldn’t be in the economy otherwise is now circulating in the communities we serve, helping businesses stay afloat and putting food on the table for countless families."
Libraries to open for computer use
The Metropolitan Library System, with 19 locations, will begin offering limited computer use June 1, according to a news release. Customers are encouraged to wear masks and computers will be disinfected after each use.
A limited number of customers will be allowed in buildings to use computers for one hour at a time. Computers will be spaced out for social distancing. Customers may also make copies or fax documents.
"While customers will be allowed in the building for computer use, browsing of the physical collection is still not permitted at this time," said Julie Ballou, the library systems executive director. "Customers have been asking for computer services including printing and copying, and we’re happy to be able to offer this to them during Phase 2."
For more information, contact the ask a librarian service at 405-231-8650 or askalibrarian@metrolibrary.org.