TULSA, OK – [September 27, 2021] – The Tulsa Health Department (THD) has a long history of working closely with the Tulsa State Fair to ensure that fairgoers can indulge in their favorite fair cuisine without fear of contracting a foodborne illness. This year, the fair will include approximately 165 individual food booths that will be inspected to determine compliance with State food regulations.
Food inspectors will be educating fair vendors about food safety and conducting frequent inspections to ensure that the vendors are using safe food handling practices. This practice has proven very effective in protecting the public.
THD inspectors will put in approximately 610 hours throughout the duration of the fair while conducting approximately 495 food inspections. They will educate vendors on appropriate food handling procedures and most importantly, ensure that proper handwashing techniques are used.
THD works to safeguard public health through education on safe food handling practices and the regulation of food service establishments. Over the past two years, THD inspectors have performed more than 16,500 inspections of approximately 4,800 local food service establishments.
Additionally, THD will be offering a free walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic for Fair attendees on-site in the lower level of the SageNet Center building for those needing any dose. There is more than 300+ providers approved to offer the COVID-19 vaccines in Tulsa County. Individuals do not have to receive their second dose, booster dose or third dose at the same place they went to originally. The vaccine is widely available at many local doctors’ offices, heath care systems, pharmacies, and big retail chains like Walmart. There is no cost to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Influenza vaccinations will also be made available to those who receive their COVID-19 vaccine as they can be co-administered safely.
THD advises that attendees of large events, such as the Tulsa State Fair, should be fully vaccinated (if they are eligible for vaccination) to provide the best protection. In accordance with guidelines from the CDC for areas with high transmission, THD recommends masking indoors and in crowded outdoor areas. Additionally, frequent handwashing or the use of hand sanitizer are encouraged. Anyone who is symptomatic or who has been recently in close, prolonged contact with an infected individual should stay home and seek testing for COVID-19.
For more information or concerns about food safety, please call 918-595-4300. For more information on COVID-19 and vaccines, please visit www.tulsa-health.org/COVID19.
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