The new system is being implemented at a time when the Houston area is on the decline from a recent COVID-19 wave fueled by the BA. For more information about testing, visit Testing Locations and Information. Country music star and Conroe-native, Parker McCollum caught up with our Sally Mac after he was named the headliner for 2023's Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Its okay to be hesitant at first but theres no shortage of credible information from health experts that show that the vaccines are safe, that the vaccines are effective, that we need to get the vaccines to get through this virus., During the briefing, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine where he is also the Co-director of the Texas Childrens Center for Vaccine Development, said the delta variant is far more transmissible than the original COVID-19 virus and warned Were looking undoubtedly at a serious surge across the South this summer., The big thing that worries me is by now anyone whos unvaccinated and has been lucky enough to escape COVID, your luck is about to run out, Hotez said. That will, he says, pave the way for the Delta variant to accelerate spread in this area. In a news conference Monday, Hidalgo, was joined by Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Spring Independent School District Chief of Police Ken Culbreath, and Dr. Ericka Brown, of Harris County Public Health. Its like nothing weve seen before in this pandemic.. Under statewide orders from Texas Gov. Last week, the viral load was 345 percent higher than a baseline established two years ago. HOUSTON A Cypress mother accused in a child abuse case involving twin teenagers was extradited back to Harris County over the weekend. Your subscription will be migrated over. In August 2021, TMC leaders sent an open letter with scientifically and medically backed advice for schools, parents, and the broader Houston community, to achieve a common goal of safely educating our children. What do the orange, green dots on my iPhone mean? People are exhausted, and nobody wants to hear about it, he said. County Judge Lina Hidalgo shows her band-aid after receiving COVID-19 vaccine booster after recommending the public to do so Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, at The Health Museum in Houston. A graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown, Ana moved to H-Town from sunny southern California in 2015. Hidalgo cautioned that the risk for contracting COVID-19 is still present. HARRIS COUNTY , Texas ( KIAH ) Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced that she is raising the county's COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from Level 3: Yellow to Level 2: Orange, the. Hotez also cautioned that case levels could increase heading toward the winter, especially if another variant emerges. "As the surge continues, we continue to monitor our beds and adjust each day, hospital by hospital.". The countywide COVID-19 positivity rate is 7.3%, up from 5.29% on July 1. If you'd like to sign up now, fill out the form below and we will add you as soon as we finish the transition. Level 1 indicates a severe and uncontrolled threat to COVID-19 and urges residents to stay home except for essential needs such as going to the grocery store to buy food or medicine, according to Harris County Public Health. 2223 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boeing employee bought lottery ticket because it was at $747M, a nod to the aircraft. Click on the options in the navigation to jump to each section or scroll down to view more. Explore the new hub here: hcphtx.org/coviddashboard. Since January, the county had been at Level 1: Red, the highest risk level amid the "explosive growth" of Omicron cases. Watch the media briefing in its entirety below: Copyright 2021 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved. on March 2. The amount of virus detected at the city of Houstons wastewater treatment plants, which has been a reliable indicator of community spread, is also down from a spike during the BA.5 wave. Hidalgo said 120,000 rapid antigen tests will be provided to school districts across the county. Harris County Public Health 2021 However, Harris County's two-week average for daily new COVID-19 cases per day is still too high according to the county's guidelines, and the county's two-week average coronavirus test . HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo raised on Thursday the county's COVID-19 threat level from yellow "moderate" to orange "significant" in the midst of spiking cases during a "fourth wave" of the pandemic. Harris County's COVID-19 threat level remains red before start of Houston Rodeo. In other words, we are in the midst of another COVID-19 tsunami. These trends are understandably frustrating especially as we close out the year with friends and family. On Wednesday's show: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo joins us to discuss issues facing the county and to take listener questions. Hotez added that while the county is doing slightly better than most areas in the southern U.S., it is still not close to where vaccination rates stand in the northeast. The region's positivity. Based on UKHSA advice, the UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England National . To find out more information, locations and hours, click here. The COVID-19 vaccine and booster continues to be available at no charge for all Harris County residents. To view COVID-19 and related data for the general Texas region, refer to the resources and dashboards below. We have also added measures to allow for more space to keep runners distanced in heavy traffic flow situations. County Judge Lina Hidalgo shows her band-aid to Oscar Flores after receiving COVID-19 vaccine booster Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, at The Health Museum in Houston. Hidalgo said the threat level system had been an important tool for gauging risk throughout the pandemic. Jan. 5, 2022 Updated: Jan. 6, 2022 2:46 p.m. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced Tuesday that the county may soon increase its COVID-19 threat level. Threat level 2 indicates a significant and uncontrolled level of COVID-19 in Harris County, meaning that there is ongoing transmission of the virus, according to the countys COVID-19 data hub. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. FOX 26 Reporter Matthew Seedorff has more on the marathon despite the 'red' COVID threat level in Harris County. It's designed to help provide the public with guidance on how to protect themselves. COVID Q&A: Peter Hotez discusses new winter variants, his book and a halal vaccine. Data Updated Feb 5 USA / Texas / Harris County Summary Cases and Deaths Vaccination Progress Impact and Recovery New Cases Per Day New Deaths Per Day He's also worked for news organizations in New York and Massachusetts. Thats how transmissible this virus is., RELATED: Houston Methodist sees alarming spike in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations; identifies its first case of Lambda variant. The Harris County Auditor's confidential hotline and website allow employees, vendors, grant applicants and the general public to anonymously report instances of fraud, waste or abuse of the County's funds, resources and projects 24/7 in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Vietnamese. Mapes had 53 years of mining experience and was working as a contractor for LSM Contracting near Central Appalachian Mining LLC's . While Monday's announcement moves Harris County to the highest threat level for the first time, the lockdowns and closings residents experienced in 2020 aren't likely to be repeated. Hidalgo said she hopes this time is the last the county reaches red. RELATED: CDC guidelines: When is the best time to get tested for COVID-19 after exposure? To make accessing COVID-19 testing simpler, refer to the resources below to find a testing site near you. The level of risk depends in part on the environment, type of activity performed, and the potential for close contact (within 6 feet of another person) for a repeated or extended period. As far as vaccination rates, Hidalgo said a little over 50% of the county's population has been vaccinated against COVID, falling well behind President Biden's goal of 70% that he wanted met for the nation earlier this month. COVID-19 Community Levels Resource for the Harris County COVID-19 Community Levels page which was adopted on 9/15/2022 to merge with the CDC's criteria Search About About Harris County Public Health Contact Us Leadership Mission, Vision & Values Organization & Offices Cornerstone Values Services & Programs The rodeo hopes to return for the first time since the pandemic started. Hospitals and pharmacies began offering the new boosters earlier this month, and Harris County Public Health is now distributing them through its mobile vaccination sites, Hidalgo said. The county leader cited multiple forces in the summertime surge, but emphasized the current wave of vaccine hesitance and misinformation in the midst of a rampantly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus. This pages tracks the history of coronavirus cases in Harris County, both recent and all-time. We're in the process of transitioning services for our Today in Houston newsletter. We continue to have the support of our medical director and city officials to proceed as planned and look forward to hosting our runners, spectators, and volunteers for the 50th Anniversary of the Chevron Houston Marathon.". The annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is no fun and games if you don't have a ticket. I have rcvd her assistance for both personal and professional travel plans and she Benefits Office Phone: (817) 399-2056 And a pretty special one, being the daughter of our founder Dave. And this time, it truly is a tsunami when it comes to those cases. This is the highest threat level possible warning of significant COVID-19 spread. Staff writer Andrew Dansby contributed to this report. A Boston native, Evan graduated with a bachelor's degree from Emerson College and a master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. **Please note** If you are already signed up for the newsletter, you do not need to sign up again. Let the Houston Public Media newsroom help you start your day. "The 14-day average for COVID-positive ICU cases is now 18.1%; the positivity rate is now 35%," Hidalgo said. "The event is an outdoor activity, which we believe is a safe environment for participants who wish to engage with us over race weekend. Hidalgo blamed the delta variant and flattening vaccination rates for the increase in infections. Were now seeing two Harris Counties, " Hidalgo said during the briefing, One Harris County thats fully vaccinated, protected, doing its part to get our economy running and doing its part to protect those who cannot get vaccinated. Harris County had been yellow under the old system before switching to the new system on Thursday, a Harris County Public Health spokesman said. Here's how to get tickets, passes for Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo 2023, Full Interview with Rodeo Headliner, Parker McCollum. Most of the individuals hospitalized with coronavirus being treated in the Texas Medical Center are unvaccinated and 99 percent of the deaths attributed to coronavirus are among the unvaccinated, Hotez said. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. EMBED <> More Videos All but 43 were unvaccinated. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Click on the options in the navigation to jump to each section or scroll down to view more. Greg Abbott, local governments cannot enforce their own stay-at-home orders, as Abbott allowed them to do in the early stages of the pandemic. Please email chs-info@dshs.texas.gov for the most recent files if you do not find them below. If you need help with the Public File, call (713) 778-4745. "We are in the midst of another COVID-19 tsunami," Hidalgo said during a news conference. "All Huron Valley Schools will remain closed. Currently, around 2.1 million Harris County residents, 44.1 percent of Harris Countys total population, are fully vaccinated, according to the countys COVID-19 data hub. Its rattlesnake season in Texas. During an outbreak, the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may vary from very high to relatively lower risk. Read more about the C.D.C.'s . SONGS: Singer, songwriter makes new song inspired by FOX 26 news report about goats at Target, Man charged in shooting death of Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso ordered held without bond, Mother arrested after 4-year-old found outside alone, 1-year-old found laying in soiled linen, 6-YEAR-OLD SHOT IN HARRIS COUNTY: Suspect in custody after apparent fight between middle school girls after class, 1 dead after 3-vehicle crash at Montgomery County intersection, 23-year-old charged with father's murder in League City. Coronavirus (COVID-19): Back to tracker I-485 case: Pending for 27 days (624 days less than . "That's not great, and particularly among [Black, indigenous and people of color] communities.". RELATED: Harris County COVID-19 threat level now highest category 'red'; more tests for school districts. "Right now, we see an increase in patients at doctors offices and at hospitals," said Porfirio Villarreal, a spokesperson from the Houston Health Department. All Contacts, Accessibility Privacy Policy (English / Spanish) Disclaimer Viewers & Plug-ins FOIA Site Map Contact Us Harris County, The HCPH Priority Public Health Issues for 2013-2021 The alert level has been reduced from 3 to 2. It would be "inappropriate to require people who already have immunity to wear a mask," Abbott said. Winnebago . DOJ dodges question about abortion in filing to federal, Michael Steele on Marjorie Taylor Greene: Just shut, EPA to make states evaluate public water systems, Good Samaritan helps rescue kids from icy pond, Houston truck driver fighting 110-year sentence, Newsfeed Now: Biden unveils $1.75 trillion spending, Newsfeed Now: Democrats push to wrap up negotiations, Newsfeed Now: FDA panel backs Pfizers low-dose COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Industry peers angry over deadly movie, Newsfeed Now: Infrastructure Bill drawing toward, Newsfeed Now: FBI IDs remains of Brian Laundrie;, Newsfeed Now: FBI finds remains at Florida reserve, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Bakery beats diabetes with healthy lifestyle, cookies, Strong winds cause damage across North Texas, MFAH to display an extensive new collection of Islamic, Sen. Tommy Tuberville: Democrats want one gender,, Airbnb scam takes advantage of new homebuyers, Constable: Woman arrested for shooting 6-year-old, JOB FAIR: HISD to host campus hiring event on Saturday, Why the $2B jackpot winner got less than half, MoulinRouge! Actualizaciones de coronavirus (COVID-19) en espaol, Covid-19 Positivity Rate Across TMC Hospital Systems, Wastewater Viral Load Across City of Houston, Average Daily New Covid-19 Hospitalizations By Week (Monday-Sunday), Total TMC Covid-19 Positive Patients In Hospital, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC Update: Evaluating and Reporting Persons Under Investigation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), INTERNAL COVID-19 COMMUNICATION & HUMAN RESOURCES, TMC CAMPUS COVID-19 SUPPLY CHAIN RESOURCES. Hidalgo also talked about the health budget for the county. The site will continue to offer other pertinent information, such as wastewater monitoring data and the percentage of county residents who have been vaccinated and boosted. The Texas Department of State Health Services has a dedicated call center to answer your questions/concerns. Hidalgo also pleaded with residents to wear face coverings until numbers get back under control, though the county judge expressed awareness for the limited power she has over ordering people to mask up. Meteorologist Lena Maria gives us a look at what we can expect as we gear up for the opening weekend of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo! The Fraud Hotline Number is 866-556-8181 or click here for . He can be reached on Twitter at @evanmac3 or via email at Evan.MacDonald@chron.com. Another testing site will open Tuesday at Planet Ford Stadium in the Spring area. The color-coded alert system was first introduced amid the peak of the pandemic last year. The call center is available Monday- Friday 7AM to 6PM: 1-877-570-9779. Harris County has been at its highest threat level for nearly a year, after Hidalgo raised the level to "red" in June. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. See list of COVID-19 testing locations in Houston area. Residents who are not vaccinated are cautioned to do so immediately. Copyright 2023 KTRK-TV. HOUSTON Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Monday raised the county's COVID-19 threat back to its highest level -- level 1 or level red -- as omicron continues to run rampant. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. HOUSTON - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced on Monday that she raised the county's COVID-19 threat level to red, the highest level. Statewide, more than 50,000 people have died of COVID-19 since March 2020, but the rate of deaths has slowed dramatically since vaccines became widely available in April. She won the jackpot. We can make this the last time this happens but for right now, for the sake of our hospitals and for the sake of our workforce, we have to sound the alarm once again, she said. The county judge cited a rising number. "We expected [the countys threat level] to get to level red," said Dr. Lars Thestrup, the Medical Director for the Houston Marathon. HOUSTON During a media briefing Thursday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced she was increasing the countys COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from Level 3: Yellow, the systems second-lowest threat level, to Level 2: Orange, the systems second-highest threat level due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. Right now Harris County is still at 20-something percent that's fully vaccinated. The HCPHDashboard has moved to the new Harris County / City of Houston COVID-19 Data Hub. We build engines and complete .PULLING TRACTOR KIT-REVISED Front weight bracket, straight front axle, new 3 post rops shaped, 1 pr. Its not too late, Hidalgo said. She also talked about the health budget for the county during a press conference.