In response to the number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations across the Houston region, The Fort Bend County Department of Health and Human Services (FBCHHS) raised the Community Impact Level to High, while stressing the importance that residents remain vigilant and stay up to date on their vaccine and boosters while following the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on recommended booster shots to protect yourself, your family, and friends,” stated Fort Bend County Judge KP George. “As always I believe in being transparent and informing our residents about any changes to our levels while encouraging them to continue to follow the CDC’s guidelines and recommendations”

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services (FBCHHS) Epidemiology Division collects and analyzes local COVID-19 data to determine the community impact level in Fort Bend County.

Fort Bend County Health and Human Services continues to monitor the county’s rising COVID-19 case totals. Over the past week, local data for the week ending July 11, shows an average of 230 active cases per 100,000 residents. A key determining metric for at-risk community levels, the current number exceeds the 200 cases per 100,000 threshold that the CDC has put forth with its current guidelines.

Additionally, according to the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council’s Dashboard (SETRAC), Fort Bend County had an average of 12 new COVID-19 hospitalizations per day over the past 7 days, and this exceeds the less than 10 threshold. Approximately six percent of staff inpatient hospital beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients. Fort Bend County’s COVID Impact Level shifted to High due to surpassing the case threshold and the increased impact on local hospitals.

FBCHHS has aligned its metrics with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention metrics which are based on comprehensive and up-to-date science regarding COVID. FBCHHS is following the CDC guidelines to advise the public.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George stressed that vaccination is the most effective tool we have to fight the virus. To schedule an appointment to get tested, call (281) 633-7795 during the weekday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or visit www.fbchealth.org to view the FBC COVID-19 testing and vaccination locations. You can also call the vaccination hotline (for questions only) at 832-471-1373.