First, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo yesterday extended the "Stay Home, Work Safe" Order until April 30. The order requires everyone to remain at home unless they are conducting essential business such as grocery shopping, going to the pharmacy, picking up food or going to work at businesses that are deemed essential.

The order continues to apply to Harris County, Houston, as well as other municipalities and unincorporated areas within the county. Again, essential businesses, like gas stations, grocery stores and pharmacies, are exempt and will remain open. Additionally, restaurants can continue to offer takeout and provide deliveries. Daycare facilities that provide support for essential employees can remain open as well.

Parks will remain open, but the use of playgrounds, benches, workout and play equipment is prohibited.

Community Testing

As of Tuesday, March 31, the City of Houston reported 377 COVID-19 cases and 4 deaths. Statewide, there are 3,726 confirmed cases, and over 186,000 cases across the country. And with more testing being done, those numbers will go up.

The City of Houston and Harris County have tested thousands of high-risk symptomatic for COVID-19 at Houston’s community testing sites during the first couple of weeks of operation. The sites are only testing people pre-identified as high-risk through a two-step screening process. The initial screening is done online with only those meeting certain risk criteria moving on to a phone-based screening with a medical professional. Residents can go to www.ReadyHarris.org to begin the screening process. Only after the phone screening will qualified residents be directed to a testing site.

Anyone requiring technical assistance or translations services is encouraged to call the Harris County Public Health call bank, which is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 832-927-7575.

Schools Closed until May 4

With the federal government extending social distancing guidelines through the end of April, the Houston Independent School District has announced its plan to remain closed until May 4. In addition to the federal guidelines, HISD's decision comes in response to the new executive order by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday to close all Texas schools until May 4. During this time, HISD will continue remote learning.

For updates and information, please visit www.HoustonISD.org/HealthAlerts.

Food Distribution

The Houston Parks Department continues its Curbside Meal Program for Youth, ages 1 to 18. The Curbside Meal distribution of a free snack and lunch will take place Monday – Friday from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. The program is offered at 47 community centers in the city. 6,000 meals were distributed just last week.

Numerous organizations in our area have also partnered with the Houston Food Bank to operate several food distribution sites throughout the city. To find a food distribution site near you visit www.HoustonFoodBank.org.

Grocery Stores Operational/No Need to Stockpile

With the extension of the Stay Home, Work Safe Order, I again remind residents that grocery stores are not shutting down. Many grocers are now offering offer dedicated store hours and other services available for seniors to high-risk individuals. Fiesta, Kroger, Walgreens, HEB, Food Town, and Walmart are all reserving the first hour of daily shopping for people over 60 or with physical disabilities.

It's always good to be prepared, but not to panic shop. While there are no issues with the food supply chain, due to the unnecessary stockpiling by some, stores are running out of certain items much sooner than they normally would. But grocers are restocking to keep up with the high demand.

Regulations for Bars & Restaurants in Effect

All restaurants, bars and food-service establishments are required to suspend dining-in. This does not affect restaurant carry-out, delivery or drive-thru services, third-party delivery services, or grocery stores. To the extent possible, I encourage residents to order takeout or delivery in support of our local restaurants over the next few weeks to help mitigate this disruption.

Small Business & Worker Assistance

Congress last week passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act with unanimous, bipartisan support. The $2 trillion federal aid package is intended to provide assistance to businesses and workers including a one-time check of $1,200 for each adult making under $75,000 a year, $2,400 per couple earning under $150,000 a year, and $500 per child.

Highlights of the CARES Act

-$290 billion in direct payments to eligible taxpayers

-$260 billion in expanded unemployment insurance

-$150 billion for state and local governments

-$510 billion in expanded lending for businesses and local governments

-$377 billion in new loans and grants for small businesses

-$127 billion for hospitals and medical equipment

-Additional appropriations for Veterans Affairs, FDA, USDA and others

As mentioned in the past couple of updates, the Small Business Administration is working with state leaders to provide assistance to small businesses and employers that have been impacted by this disruption. Small businesses should visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus for more information.

The City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) would like to better understand how businesses are being impacted during this time, so if you own a small business please complete the Small Business Community Resiliency Survey available on the OBO website.

METRO Bus Service & Harris County Tollways

For essential employees who will have to travel to work during the "Stay Home, Work Safe" Order, the Harris County Toll Road Authority is making tollways free until the end of April. METRO has also temporarily suspended collection of fares on local bus, light rail, Park & Ride and METROLift.

On Monday, March 30, METRO made changes to its service schedule. The modified schedule will maintain service throughout the region with some possible delays. All Park and Ride routes, except those serving the Texas Medical Center, are suspended. METRO's efforts are focused on connecting essential workers to their jobs as well as committed to providing trips to grocery stores, pharmacies and other places people need to go. Delays on certain routes are expected, so please plan accordingly, including adjustment of your travel schedule.



If You Have Symptoms

Most people with COVID-19 will feel like they have a bad cold or the flu. Some people will require hospitalization. If you develop symptoms, healthcare professionals recommend that you distance yourself from family members and friends. Wash your hands and disinfect surfaces regularly. Contact your local primary care provider for guidance, but do not go to the emergency room, unless you are in a critical situation. If you feel sick enough to go to an emergency room, call ahead to alert hospital staff that you're coming and so they can take appropriate precautions to protect staff and other patients.

While COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus, daily precautions recommended to prevent respiratory illnesses are the same:

-Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when you can't wash your hands.

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

-Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away. If you don't have a tissue, use the elbow of your sleeve. Don't use your hands to cover coughs and sneezes.

-Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.

-Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

-Maintain social distancing of at least six feet.

Please continue to stay informed through official resources such as the Houston Office of Emergency Management’s Coronavirus webpage and Harris County Public Health. If you have any questions regarding COVID-19, the Houston Health Department has established a Call Center: 832-393-4220. Additionally, you can text CV19 to 888777 for COVID-19 alerts.

The District I office remains open and is here to serve residents. While our City Hall office is closed to foot traffic, our staff is working remotely from home. Please continue to send emails to districti@houstontx.gov or call 832-393-3011 if you need assistance with a city service. We are committed to providing residents the same level of support and service during this time.

Finally, today (April 1) is Census Day! I ask all District I residents to please complete the Census - It's quick, easy, and safe. Census data will help determine billions of dollars in funding for our hospitals, emergency services, and healthcare programs - and we will need it to begin a strong recovery from the impacts of Coronavirus. Visit www.2020Census.gov to complete the census online or call 1-844-330-2020. The 2020 Census does not ask whether you or anyone in your home is a U.S. citizen. Everyone living in the country, including non-citizens, counts.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this difficult time.

Respectfully,

Robert Gallegos

Houston Council Member

District I