Editor's Note:
Here is some information in the news as Saturday dawns on Houston. Again, apologies for all caps, but it's the way we prepare newscasts and this is hot off the press as we go to air.
THE STATEWIDE TOTAL FOR THE NUMBER OF COVID 19 IS AT 1,964.
THREE BRIGADES OF THE TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD ARE ACTIVATED BY GOVERNOR ABBOTT TO HELP AT TESTING SITES AROUND THE STATE. A BRIGADE CAN BE UP TO FOUR THOUSAND TROOPS. THE SOLDIERS HAVE BEEN TRAINING TO RUN DRIVE-THRU TEST SITES AND ASSIST THE MEDICAL STAFF WHO ADMINISTER THEM.
HOUSTON FIRE CHIEF SAM PENA CONFIRMS 17 ADDITIONAL FIREFIGHTERS HAVE BEEN QUARANTINED. FIREFIGHTERS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK ANYTIME THEY ARE WITHIN SIX FEET OF A PATIENT. THE PRACTICE MAY BE TAKEN UP BY POLICE OFFICERS SOON AS WELL. THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS 200 OFFICERS IN QUARANTINE AND ONE IN THE HOSPITAL.
MEMORIAL CITY MALL IS HOSTING A CRITICAL BLOOD DRIVE FROM 11 TO 3 TODAY AT THE WEST ENTRANCE BETWEEN THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY AND TARGET. THEY'RE ALSO COLLECTING DONATIONS OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES. WE'VE GOT ALL THE DETAILS POSTED AT KTRH.COM.
A U.S. FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT JUDGE IS TELLING LAWYERS FOR BOTH SIDES TO COME UP WITH A PLAN TO RELEASE A-THOUSAND INMATES WHOSE BOND IS $10,000 OR LESS FROM THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL SYSTEM. JUDGE LEE ROSENTHAL SAID NEXT WEEK SHE WILL ADDRESS ANOTHER 3,400 INMATES WHOSE BOND IS HIGHER.