Harris County says they will increase testing and recruit more contact tracers with more businesses set to re-open on Friday.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says one way to get ready is to increase testing.
The County will have the ability to test up to 1600 residents per day," Hidalgo said, adding that the County now has a “strike team” to deploy testing to congregate settings like nursing homes along with two additional pop-up testing locations. These testing sites add to the existing two pop-up locations and two fixed testing locations in Katy and in Baytown.
Hidalgo also announced they will recruit 300 new contact tracers to locate those in contact with COVID-19 positive patients. Potential sources of additional workforce include temporary hires, contractors, existing Harris County staff, and volunteers, all of whom will be hired by qualified epidemiologists and other staff.
Hidalgo also announced they will be working with hospitals in the county to keep track of whether or not they are seeing a spike in cases. You can get more information HERE.