Houston HealthScope COVID-19 Special Edition 24

Welcome to Houston HealthScope, the Houston Health Department monthly newsletter!
We welcome your feedback at hhdcommunications@houstontx.govJuly 6, 2020
COVID-19 Special Edition 24

Visit houstonemergency.org/covid19 for COVID-19
guidance in more than a dozen languages.

HoustonEmergency.org/covid19

Houston, Harris County COVID-19 data

Houston and Harris County COVID-19 data is combined to give people a full visual overview of what’s happening in the entire county, including the city of Houston. The dashboard is available at HoustonEmergency.org/covid19.

One in four

The percentage of Houstonians testing positive for COVID-19 continues to climb. Nearly one in four Houstonians tested for the virus in June was positive.

Together, we can reverse this trend by wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands and getting tested.

Find hospital capacity data, information about free test site and how to protect your family and community at HoustonEmergency.org/covid19.

Level 1: Stay Home

Level one signifies a severe and uncontrolled level of COVID-19, meaning outbreaks are present and worsening and testing and contact tracing capacity is strained. At this level, people should minimize contacts with others wherever possible and avoid leaving home except for the most essential needs like going to the grocery store for food and medicine. Learn More

Working with health department contact tracers helps slow the spread

Making a choice to work with contact tracers helps protect you, your family and your community by slowing the spread of COVID-19. Learn More

The Houston Health Department and our partners are committed to supporting our communities in our efforts to build a healthier Houston.

We’ve expanded our capacity in order to confront the COVID-19 pandemic and address the challenges it’s creates. From providing information and services that meet basic needs, to contending with more complex issues like contact tracing, we’ve shown our dedication to effective crisis-management on every level.

We’ve made great strides in our response to COVID-19 and aim to continue our proactive and responsive approach as the circumstances evolve.

Health and Safety Policy and Face Coverings Order

On Friday, June 19, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an order requiring businesses to generate, post, and implement health and safety policies which include, at a minimum, a requirement that workers, customers or visitors wear face coverings. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 22. Learn more at ReadyHarris.org/stay-safe.

Free COVID-19 Testing

Visit HoustonEmergency.org/covid19 to learn how to get tested for COVID-19. With sites across Houston, there’s one near you!

As Houstonians, our response to COVID-19 has been dramatic, by every leader, in every sector of our community, from schools to faith leaders to policy makers. This is a devastating virus that has affected our communities in ways we could never have imagined. While we may not have all the answers today, we are taking the next steps, the right steps, the best steps that we can take — together.

Houston Health Department, partners announce free COVID-19 testing schedule for week of July 6

The Houston Health Department and its agency partners are announcing the schedule for sites offering free COVID-19 tests the week of July 6, 2020. Read the News Release

City of Houston, Harris County and Coalition for the Homeless announce joint $65M plan to house 5,000 people experiencing homelessness

The City of Houston, Harris County, and the Coalition for the Homeless announced a joint, $65-million plan to house 5,000 people experiencing homelessness over the next two years to limit the spread of COVID-19. Read the News Release

Parks department suspends summer enrichment program operation due to changing circumstances regarding COVID-19

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department has made the difficult decision to close all 19 Community Centers that have been serving as locations for the 2020 Summer Enrichment Program until further notice due to the rapidly changing circumstances and the accompanying situations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the News Release

#MaskUpHouston

Do you part by wearing a mask or cloth face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn More

Share your COVID-19 experience

The COVID-19 Registry is a research study that provides real-time information to health departments on the spread of COVID-19, who is being affected, and how. Take the Survey

Call center hours of operation

The Houston Health Department’s COVID-19 call center hours change to 7 a.m. to 4 .p.m. Monday through Saturday, effective May 26, 2020.

The center is available to provide access codes for the department’s two community testing sites and help you find other testing options to meet your needs.

Call the center at 832-393-4220.