ALERT: Tulsa officials say coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are surging and warn vulnerable people to stay home from Trump rally

Officials in Tulsa said coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are surging and advised people who are vulnerable to COVID-19 to stay home rather than attend President Trump's campaign rally on Saturday.

Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart and Mayor G.T. Bynum (R) said people who attend any large gathering, including the Trump rally as well as the city's Juneteenth celebration will likely be at risk, especially if they don't wear masks.

"Let me be clear, anyone planning to attend a large-scale gathering will face an increased risk at being infected with COVID-19," Dart said during a press conference. "We want to keep people safe ... if you are part of a vulnerable population, please stay at home."

Bynum said he was excited that President Trump chose to "honor" Tulsa, and the way it has responded to the virus, but he couldn't guarantee that anyone who attends the rally would be safe.

"I am not positive everything is safe. I'm not a public health professional," Bynum said. "I completely understand the concern people have if folks show up at this event and aren't smart about it."

Bynum added that he thinks "any rational person looking at any large grouping of people would have concerns about this weekend."

[link to thehill.com (secure)]