The public health emergency declaration declared last week by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has been extended after a vote this morning by the City Council.
That extension is indefinite following the vote, with only Council member Greg Travis voting against it. Travis had criticized the decision to close the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo last week. Travis was seeking to have the issue brought up at weekly City Council meetings. His proposed Amendment did not pass this morning, and Mayor Turner says time is of the essence, which is why he wants the declaration extended.
"If we do not contain, mitigate and slow the spread, our healthcare delivery system will be overwhelmed and will not be able to take care of people," Turner explained.
The Mayor saying two virus testing sites in Houston, and two more in Harris County will likely open tomorrow with more coming.