According to our latest weekly tracker, several ZIP codes in the Tulsa area had the highest weekly increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases from June 5 to June 12. Broken Bow in the far southeast part of the state also emerged as a hot spot.
June 5-12
An undetermined number of the Tulsa cases have been linked to Whirlpool Corp. The company said it was closing the factory Friday afternoon and will reopen early next week after cleaning and sanitizing. Whirlpool has about 1,600 employees in Tulsa.
“We can’t comment on individual employee situations, but every action we take at the plant is for the health and safety of our people,” Whirlpool said in a statement to Oklahoma Watch. “With each COVID-19 case in the plant there is a thorough investigation that includes contact tracing. Any individuals who come in close contact with diagnosed employees have been notified and have been quarantined. The plant is regularly cleaned per CDC guidelines and will be cleaned again before re-opening.”
The company said it will continue to implement heightened cleaning protocols, increased distances on the production lines and daily temperature checks. It also is requiring all employees to wear a mask and that they have proper sanitization equipment.
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