Here is the latest local update on the COVID-19 outbreak.
There are now 461 cases of COVID-19 in the Houston area; 135 in Harris County, 69 in Houston. The city reporting its first death yesterday; a woman in her 60's, who was not diagnosed until she passed away. Officials say she had a travel history.
Texas now has at least 1,650 cases of the disease, and 18 people have passed away.
Because of the amount of cases they are facing in New York and New Orleans, Texas Governor Governor Greg Abbott has used his power to issue an executive order requiring visitors flying to Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Orleans to self-quarantine for 14 days during the coronavirus pandemic. The New York-New Jersey-Connecticut area has combined for more than 42,000 cases of the disease.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has announced a new recovery fund aimed at helping those most impacted economically by the outbreak. We have a link to The Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund HERE.
Memorial Hermann has cancelled patient visitation during the coronavirus outbreak . COVID-19 outbreak. Those go into effect today. There are exceptions which include:
Memorial Hermann has cancelled patient visitation during the coronavirus outbreak . COVID-19 outbreak. Those go into effect today. There are exceptions which include:
- One visitor for laboring women
- One visitor (parent or guardian) for pediatric patients
- Family members for patients in hospice or supportive medicine
- One visitor for patients receiving emergency care
- One visitor for patients at the time of discharge following a surgery or procedure.
- Patients with a disability or other medical condition who need assistance communicating with staff will be evaluated for potential visitor exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
A youth at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center has tested positive for COVID-19. That patient is quarantined and getting treatment. The county is in the process of notifying parents of youth the patient may have had contact with.
Yesterday was supposed to be Opening Day for the Astros. But it didn't go to waste. Carlos Correa and Lance McCullers Jr., instead provided a catered lunch for nurses and medical staff at Houston Methodist Hospital for their work during the outbreak.