2019 Novel Coronavirus

Current Threat of Risk: Level 1 (SEVERE) Stay Home Work Safe

Current Level of Risk

Level 1: SEVERE - Stay Home Work Safe


COVID-Meter-SEVERE-01

On June 26th, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo raised the Current Level of Risk for Harris County from Level 2 to Level 1.

Level 1 signifies a severe and uncontrolled level of COVID-19 in Harris County, meaning outbreaks are present and worsening and that testing and contact tracing capacity is strained or exceeded. At this level, residents take action to 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.

Regardless of current level indicated, all residents should continue the use of social distancing, frequent hand washing, and the use of face coverings until there is a vaccine or a treatment for the virus. Additionally, residents exposed to COVID-19 should quarantine for 14 days regardless of level indicated.

For more information and updates, refer to the Ready Harris website or Threat Levels Explained resources. More information about the Harris County Reopening Strategy here.

Judge Hidalgo's COVID Reopening Strategy

On June 11th, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo released public health recommendations to better understand how to safely reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Leading Harris County: Benchmarks for a Healthy Community guide outlines this process. 

To see the newest benchmarks, please click here or view the Harris County Reopening Strategy.

Judge Hidalgo's Order, Health and Safety and Face Coverings

On Friday, June 19th, 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 am on Monday, June 22nd.

For additional information and the full face mask order, please visit the 'Regarding the Health and Safety Policy and Face Coverings' section on Ready Harris.

Additional Resources:

How To Wear A Face Mask Properly English | Español | Chinese | Vietnamese

To learn more about the proper use of face coverings and masks, refer to HCPH's resources for General Public Guidance.

Harris County Summary

Harris County Public Health is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas Department of State and Health Services and other health partners in monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and will promptly report any confirmed cases in our jurisdiction.

Our department receives daily updates from hospitals, medical facilities, and other health officials across Harris County as well as the City of Houston regarding testing, confirmed cases, and the development of COVID-19. For these updates, refer to the Harris County / Houston COVID-19 Cases Dashboard.

HCPH encourages residents to get tested for COVID-19 if you feel you have it or have been in contact with someone who tested positive. Take the Houston and Harris County Public Health self-assessment tool.

HCPH COVID-19 Outreach Information

HCPH is providing community education through digital materials, videos, and flyers. These are provided for personal use or may be used for your business and employees depending on the nature of the material.

Please email [email protected] for any educational materials.

*The Outreach email is NOT where residents can find their test results. If you need helping finding your test results, please call 832-927-7575. 

*Educational booths and presentations are only available outside of Houston city limits.

What is COVID-19?

A new coronavirus (COVID-19) was detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness. The COVID-19 outbreak began in December 2019, and there are now millions of reported cases around the world, including the United States.

How do people become infected?

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

  • Coughing and sneezing;
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
  • Rarely, fecal contamination.
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In some cases, infected persons may not show symptoms or may have only mild symptoms. Learn more about the spread of this coronavirus that is causing COVID-19.

How can I avoid infection with COVID-19?

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
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Are you interested in ways to help your community during this time? Learn more about COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities with the Harris County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) here.

Hand Washing Tips

 

COVID-19 Sign Language

 

COVID-19 Stop the Spread of Germs 

HCPH COVID-19 Social Media Toolkit

In an effort to educate and share awareness regarding COVID-19, we encourage you to utilize and share our social media images through your own social media platforms. HCPH Social Media Toolkit (Updated 5/20/2020, 3pm, CST) 

Reporting COVID-19 Violations

Reporting Violations

To report violations of County orders residents can call 832-839-6941 or file online at https://form.jotform.com/201244433797154.

Latest Information on 2019 Novel Coronavirus

HCPH is working with public health organizations at the local, state, federal, and global levels to monitor and educate the public about COVID-19.

image of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

For additional resources, please visit the links below:
2019 Novel Coronavirus (DSHS)
2019 Novel Coronavirus (CDC)
2019 Novel Coronavirus (WHO)