Sources say the CDC will relax its recommendation to wear masks indoors publicly in most areas. David Gonzlez 1/7/2022. All Rights Reserved. We're in the process of transitioning services for our Today in Houston newsletter. We must focus our metrics beyond just cases in the community, and direct our efforts toward protecting people at high risk of severe illness, and preventing COVID-19 from overwhelming our hospitals and our healthcare system.. This latest change offers a more nuanced rollback, with a different set of metrics that trigger mask-wearing recommendations only during times of high transmission. 0:00. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced Thursday that a mask mandate has been issued for all county schools and childcare facilities. 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. When Abbott banned mask mandates last year, the governor said he chose to focus on personal responsibility, not government mandates,to provide clarity and uniformity in pandemic-fighting policies statewide. We are aware that this contradicting guidance is currently being litigated in the courts. Designates the governor as "commander in chief" whenaddressingstatewide disasters. If any subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Order or any application of it to any person, structure, or circumstance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, then such decision will not affect the validity of the remaining portions or applications of this Order. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. 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. "With the benefit of widely-available vaccines and booster shots and robust COVID-19 testing, our country is beginning to move into a new phase of the pandemic. AISD said the ruling provides further legal support for the district's own mask mandate, which is still in effect against Gov. Help us by, Services & Programs Harris County Provides, Community Health & Violence Prevention Services, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative, Community Health and Violence Prevention Services, All Disease Control and Clinical Prevention Resources, Substance Use Prevention Program Homepage, Community Health & Wellness Division Homepage, All Environmental Public Health Resources, Office of Communications, Education & Engagement, All Office of Communications, Education & Engagement Resources, Public Health Preparedness & Response Division, Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Resources, All Health Information Management Resources, All Health and Wellness Services Resources, Appointment with a WIC Registered Dietitian, Climate and Health Vulnerability Assessments, All Ryan White Grant Administration Resources, Youth Risk Behavior Survey Statistics (YRBS) Data, Harris County Area Animal Control Agencies, All Zoonosis/Disease Prevention Resources, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, Presentation and Health Fair Request Form ZIKA, Harris County Animal Shelter Debuts New Mobile Adoption Vehicle, All Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program Resources, Harris County COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line, view our School Guidance and Updates resources. A Texas third court of appeals in Austin ruled Harris County leaders have the . If you feel that you are being unfairly charged for necessary goods or services such as medicine, fuel, food, or, lodging, raise the issue of price gouging with the provider. Personally, however, she plans to continue wearing a mask indoors in public, even though she resides in a county with a medium transmission level. All Contacts, Accessibility Privacy Policy (English / Spanish) Disclaimer Viewers & Plug-ins FOIA Site Map Contact Us Harris County, The HCPH Priority Public Health Issues for 2013-2021 Whether youre shopping Way Day 2023 or Walmart, theres an al fresco set for you. More information about those conditions that may impact vulnerability can be found in theCenter for Disease Control's (CDC) resources for those who are recommended to take extra precautions as well as those who are at higher risk. Select resources are available for those individuals who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. HCPH has compiled resources intended to help the public in better understanding theCoronavirus (COVID-19), ways to stay healthy, suggestions for supporting their communities, and more. Texas parents pleaded for Gov. "After two years of learning a great deal about [COVID-19], a variety of non-pharmaceutical interventions, vaccines, and our individual opinions about each of these, we are fortunate that the amount of viral activity in Houston is slowing down at a rapid rate," Persse wrote. Harris County can move forward with its mask mandate in schools, daycares and businesses. Employees can self-report your COVID-19 vaccination in the City's Talent Management System Healthy Rewards Initiative portal to receive $25 in Healthy Rewards and to satisfy one of the wellness engagement options to earn an insurance discount as part of the City's annual wellness program goals. Abbott and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has concluded with a victory for the county. KTRK - Houston. Published August 13, 2021. For details regarding Mask Order Policies in Harris County, please refer to the County Order resources on Ready Harris. RELATED: CDC to ease COVID mask guidelines for 70% of US, including inside schools. Maintaining cleanliness - including disinfecting surfaces - isessential in helping to decrease the spread of illness. "So, it is timely to consider the lifting of the remaining restrictions." ", "Over the past few months, City employees have worked diligently to create a safe and healthy environment in our municipal buildings," Turner said in a Thursday press release. 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. Lately, Lucio has focused his reporting primarily on public safety and criminal justice Let the Houston Public Media newsroom help you start your day. Based on available information from medical professionals, it has been found that adults over the age of 65 as well as people of any age who have severe underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk from serious illness from COVID-19. Unvaccinated individuals who are determined to be in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person shall quarantine for 14 days after their last contact with a person who has COVID-19, as recommended by the CDC. Here's what the data says. The new guidance does not affect mask mandates on public transit, the agency said. He joined the Chronicle in 2018 after two years at the Denton Record-Chronicle, where he covered police and county government. To read the full order click here. Judge Hidalgo issues mask mandate for Harris County schools, joining the chorus defying Gov. Here is everything you need to know about the new Harris County face covering order starting Monday Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli , Digital News Editor Published: April 26, 2020, 5:52 PM Updated . Here's how to score the best deals on tickets, plus all the free promotions you won't want to miss. How To Be A COVID-19 Vaccine Champion In Your Community! Judge Hidalgo said this ruling will help save lives as she considers raising the countys COVID-19 threat level to red. . People at high risk of severe disease, including the immunocompromised, should still consider wearing masks in communities with low and medium transmission. "The Governors executive order remains in full effect until those appeals are resolved, which means local mask mandates are still illegal under Texas law," Abbott's office said in a statement. Abbott over executive order banning mask mandates. Read more. HOUSTON Harris County can move forward with its mask mandate in schools, daycares and businesses. Based on those measures, each county could fall into a category of low, medium or high transmission. The latest round of a mask mandate fight between Texas Gov. Copyright 2023 KTRK-TV. Updated: Jan 7, 2022 / 08:11 AM CST. The latest round of a mask mandate fight between Texas Gov. In a Wednesday letter to city employees, Turner said with vaccines, boosters and testing becoming more widely available as well as a declining positivity rate in Houston and more manageable hospitalizations, the "country is beginning to move into a new phase of the pandemic. The Texas Third Court of Appeals filed an opinion on Jan. 6, granting Harris County officials the ability to implement face covering rules after Gov. What Greg Abbott has said about masks and the vaccine. Greg Abbott's statewide ban on mask mandates and is issuing an order that requires face coverings to be worn . If the information you are searching for is not shown here, refer to the remaining sections of thisGeneral Public Guidance resource as well asReopening Guidelines and Documents resources. Abbott's ban on mask mandates in schools. Yakima County leaders ponder drug penalties in absence of state law (Yakima . Example video title will go here for this video. The school district returned to in-person classes on Jan. 5, saying it was "prepared for omicron." 1:51. To learn more about this virus, refer to the documents below or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. January 6, 2022, 3:25 PM. More than 83,000 Texans have died of COVID-19 since the global pandemic was declared nearly two years ago. AISD released back-to-school testing data on Tuesday, revealing a 14.5% positivity rate among those being tested. Businesses that fail to develop, post, and implement a Health and Safety Policy are subject to a $1,000 for each violation. Main: (713) 439-6000 I believe this directive includes appropriate control measures based on the current COVID-19 situation in Harris County, the higher risk for spread of COVID-19 in schools, and the challenge of keeping students, teachers, administrators, and school personnel safe from COVID-19. The CDCs move represents a significant long-term shift in COVID mitigation strategies nationwide one that will allow most Americans to return to a semblance of ordinary life with the virus still circulating. In mid-May 2021, the agency said fully vaccinated people didnt need to wear masks in most settings but reversed course two months later, at the beginning of the delta surge. Most Harris County residents can safely take off their masks indoors under new COVID-19 guidance released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which adjusted the way it measures community spread to account for hospitalizations in addition to caseloads. The attorney generals power is not unlimited. You can follow Roxie on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Hurricane Season: What to do before, during and after a storm, Residents say Fort Bend toll road project is too close for comfort, Fight between neighbors leads to shooting in NE Houston, police say. Astate appeals court on Thursday upheld a lower-court injunction that allowed Harris County to impose mask requirements despite Gov. For specific topics, it is encouraged to view individual sections below. To see which schools fall within the county, click here. ABC13's Roxie Bustamante is looking. To see the newest benchmarks, pleaseclick hereor go directly toReady Harris. On Thursday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo also lowered the the COVID-19 threat status from the highest level red to orange for the first time since Jan. 10, as cases and ICU populations are decreasing. "I encourage all employees to get a COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot when eligible," says Turner. Greg Abbott doesn't have the authority to ban local governments from imposing mask mandates. The mask mandate was issued by the Harris County Health Authority. Houston drops mask requirements in city buildings as COVID-19 cases drop. I think part of this was an effort for CDC to put some guidelines in place that people would actually use, said Dr. James McDeavitt, executive vice president and dean of clinical affairs at Baylor College of Medicine. November 2022 Harris County Judge election; Party Candidate Votes % % Democratic: Lina Hidalgo : 552,903 : 50.82% +1.04% : Republican: Alexandra del Moral Mealer 534,720 49.15% +0.99% As of April 18, 2022 a Federal Court judge has lifted the CDC and TSA Federal Mask Mandate. According to a list kept by Paxton's agency,there are mask mandates in 50 school districts including Austin, Del Valle, Elgin, Manor, Pflugerville, Round Rock andSan Marcos eight charter school systems, seven counties including Travis, and Austin Community College. We encourage you to share these across your network to help set the record straight about COVID-19. Experts say the most recent wave likely provided some degree of protection that will bolster the vaccine-induced immunity. He graduated from the University of North Texas. Who is the man accused in San Jacinto County mass shooting? The latest round of a mask mandate fight between Texas Gov. In addition, nothing in the law limits the authority of county and local officials to respond to local disasters or public health crises, Kelly said. Read more. "Even a statewide disaster may have distinct and disproportionate impacts in each of the states 254 counties and that, as a result, some measures for addressing a disaster in some counties may not be necessary or even appropriate in other counties," Kelly wrote. More:Round Rock school district to lift COVID-19 mask mandate in mid-January. In an effort to combat misinformation, the World Health Organization created several infographics regarding frequently asked questions about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Early in the Monday night . It's in effect for public schools, non-religious private schools and licensed child care centers. Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist at UTHealth School of Public Health in Dallas, was pleased with the new guidance overall especially the continued focus on the benefits of testing and vaccinations. By June, as cases in Texas climbed, Abbott ordered his own face mask mandate. "The Governor does not possess absolute authority under the Texas Disaster Act to preempt orders issued by local governmental entities or officials that contradict his executive orders," said the opinion, written byJustice Chari Kelly. facemasks are no longer required on Fort Bend County Transit vehicles. Face coverings are not a replacement for vaccinations or, for those who cannot get vaccinated due to age or disability, social distancing, frequent handwashing, and self-isolation when sick. This excludes clinical personnel such as paramedics, nurses and doctors, who are also still required to wear a face covering when interacting with patients. Thursday's ruling upheld an injunctionissued in August by state District Judge Catherine Mauzy, a Democrat from Travis County that blocked enforcement of Abbott's ban on mask mandates in Harris County. CA.gov COVID-19 data for Solano County; Kari Birdseye for Benicia City Council 2022; 2020 Benicia Election. AUSTIN, Texas Austin ISD said it is "optimistic" about its own mask mandate lawsuit as the Third Court of Appeals on Thursday ruled in favor of local . All Federal employees, onsite contractors, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a high-quality mask inside of Federal buildings in areas where the COVID-19 community level is high, or where required by local mask mandates, as further explained below. The ruling will be appealed to the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court, which will have the final say over this and similarrulings by other intermediate appellate courts that also upheld mask mandates inTexas, including Dallas County, Bexar County,San Antonio and Laredo. Widespread Freeze Friday morning, severe storms Saturday, COVID-19 in Austin: City moves from Stage 4 to Stage 5. Harris County is home to many individuals from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and races. Most Harris County residents can safely remove masks indoors under new CDC guidance. Local 5 - 17 Year Old Vaccine Provider List, HCPH COVID-19 Vaccinations for Ages 5 - 17, Safety Guide for Faith-Based Organizations, Safety Guide: Summer School & Youth Programs, Vaccination Sites for 80+ Adults Only (March 22 to 27), Helping Older Adults Register for HCPH's COVID Vaccine, About the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine, Quarantine Recommendation for Vaccinated Persons, Guidance for Removing Gloves to Prevent Germs on Your Hands, Printable Sign: Customers Should Wear Face Coverings / Face Masks, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions (PDF). By that measure, about 95 percent of U.S. counties, including Harris County, were still considered areas of substantial or high transmission, where all residents should have been wearing masks in indoor public settings. She enjoys binge-watching anime and films makeup tutorials in her spare time. Please see the following resources for returning to work in non-healthcare settings following COVID-19 isolation or quarantine. In January, a Texas appeals court ruled that Harris County can. It went on to say that the governor does not have the authority to suspend certain public health statutes that Harris County uses to issue its own face covering mandate. While were moving in the right direction, there are no guarantees we wont see another wave in the future.". "(The disaster act) does not give the governor carte blanche to issue executive orders empowering him to rule the state in any way he wishes during a disaster, Kelly said in anopinion joined by Chief Justice Darlene Byrne and Justice Gisela Triana. Unless, the Texas Supreme Court rules against this and they won't make a ruling for a while, you are well within your rights to continue with those requirements. Over the last two years, he's covered a wide range of topics, from politics and immigration to culture and the arts. School officials say face masks are an effective strategy in limiting the spread of COVID-19, with only vaccines offering greater prevention. In the memo, Hidalgo said an alarming number of children with COVID-19 were entering the hospital system, including those without underlying health conditions. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Previously, she was a community news and breaking news reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. ABC13's Roxie Bustamante is looking into the details of the ruling. What's more, she wrote, the disaster act lets the governor suspend "regulatory" laws that pertain to conducting state business. In addition, the 3rd Court of Appeals has yet to rule on Abbott's challenge to another Mauzy injunction thatallowed a number of school districts to impose mask requirements on students, staff and visitors. Surgical mask hanging inside school on locker. With widespread population immunity, the overall risk of severe disease is now generally lower as the virus continues to circulate in our communities, she said. EMBED <> More Videos . Whether this is you or a loved one, find materials on supporting mental health and reducing stress during the spread of COVID-19 in our Community Support Resources. AISD opened 11 COVID-19 testing hubs on Jan. 3 and encouraged families and students to get tested before returning to class in an effort to avoid the spread of the virus. The new guidance is supported by the city's Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Persse, who in a Feb. 24 letter told city employees it is safe to drop the mask requirement due to increased vaccination rates in the area and lower overall risk for the virus. In a . This is not intended to replace social distancing or hand washing recommendations. Pediatric COVID19 cases are at all- time highs in Texas, and most schools havent even started yet. Houston Public Media is supported with your gifts to the Houston Public Media Foundation and is licensed to the University of Houston. The Houston Health Department and Harris County Public Health Department maintained its Level 1 threat on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, urging those who are not fully vaccinated to stay home.. Your subscription will be migrated over. "The Act empowers and recognizes that the Governor may issue statewide disaster declarations and that certain local officials may also issue local disaster declarations," Kelly wrote. Share on Facebook; Share on Twitter; . GOP leaders say ballot shortage was targeted at Republicans. Below the Waterlines: Houston After Hurricane Harvey, No thoughts and prayers? NEW: Our Harris County Local Health Authority has issued a Health Order requiring masks in schools and childcare centers. Harris County will post this Order on the Internet. Spokane regional homeless population up 36% from 2022 numbers (The Center Square) . Its pure and simple., Tags education funding education laws in Texas Education Savings Account Gov. Hidalgo and her county attorney Christian Menefee spoke Thursday afternoon in the aftermath of the ruling, which has come in the midst of the surging COVID-19 case count that's being driven by the omicron variant. The appeals court also said the disaster act does not allow, as Abbott and Paxton argued, the governor to suspend state public healthlaws that give local leaders the power to impose safety rules during declared emergencies. The order was issued by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo last week in hopes of slowing down the spread of COVID-19. Joining them Tuesday are Uber, Lyft and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, all of which respectively announced their decisions to lift their mask policies for U.S. travelers. The decision by Judge Jan Soifer of the 345th Civil District Court provides legal cover for the county health department, which Thursday issued a mask mandate for schools and day care centers. **Please note** If you are already signed up for the newsletter, you do not need to sign up again. Fully vaccinated individuals should get tested 3-5 days after their exposure even if they dont have symptoms and wear a mask in indoor public spaces for 14 days. Abbott's ban on mask mandates in schools, UT will no longer comply with federal COVID vaccine mandate after judge halts order, Round Rock school district to lift COVID-19 mask mandate in mid-January, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Local leaders are calling this a victory for the community, public health and local government but they say the legal battle is far from over. Harris County Judge Hidalgo announced the mask mandate on Thursday. For more information about returning to school and associated benchmarks, view our School Guidance and Updates resources. Abbott to allow mask mandates in schools. Haga clic aqu para obtener orientacin de reapertura para la fuerza laboral de la industria minorista. Brazoria County is the only one with a low transmission level. "The omicron wave hit Harris County very, very hard, Hidalgo said in a Thursday news release. Skip Navigation. Masks will no longer be required in city buildings as Houston sees a decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Abbott and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has concluded with a victory for the county. for reopening guidance for retail industry workforce. These Texas school districts will have mask mandates in defiance of Gov. in Houston and Harris County, for the 2021-2022 school year: . However, I strongly encourage people who are not fully vaccinated or are immunocompromised to wear a face-covering while entering or upon City premises, but doing so is not required.". For a complete list of WHO Myth Busters, go to theWorld Health Organization (WHO) website. For additional information, please visit cao.harriscountytx.gov. Businesses and residents should expect this order to be continuously renewed so long as the pandemic continues. . There is also consideration of raising the county's COVID-19 threat level to the severe "red," the highest level Hidalgo can issue. Harris Co. mask mandate can . Under the new guidance, only 37 percent of counties have a high enough transmission rate to warrant mask-wearing indoors. A Chronicle investigation reveals the extent of the ballot paper shortage in Harris County's November election, including how the shortages could impact the future of Texas' election laws. Join others and make your gift to Houston Public Media today. AUSTIN, Texas Austin ISD said it is "optimistic" about its own mask mandate lawsuit as the Third Court of Appeals on Thursday ruled in favorof local authorities upholding mask requirements in Harris County. Greg Abbott has spoken about masks going back to July 2020 when he issued a statewide mask mandate. At this level, residents are still encouraged to wear masks, social distance and avoid large indoor gatherings. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is expected to announce raising the county's COVID-19 threat level to red, the highest on the scale. This will be the agency's first change to the mask policy since last July. Im glad to see the courts reining the Governor in. Federal input: Federal judge blocks Gov. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/TNS). Christian Menefee, Harris County attorney, said Abbott doesnt have the legal authority to ban mask mandates through executive orders. The case in question was brought by Harris County officials who have issued mask mandates in violation of the order in an effort to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and curb the pandemic's spread . HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The latest round of a mask mandate fight between Texas Gov. Judge Hidalgo urges eligible adults and kids 5 and older to get the vaccine or booster to help protect them from the virus. City employees will also no longer be required to conduct temperature screenings upon entering city buildings. While Fridays development may not immediately change personal habits, it could lead to a shift at Houston Independent School District, one of the few Texas school districts to maintain a mask mandate.