Dear Friends, 
 
Lives are on the line, and Harris County is responding.  We continue to take unprecedented steps to reduce the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and making tough, yet appropriate, decisions to protect the health of county residents.  I commend Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner for their bold decision to restrict the operation of county and city restaurants to only providing take out, delivery, or drive-through services, and close bars and nightclubs until March 31, 2020.

I recognize that the economic hardships that many residents and business owners will experience during this period may be long-lasting. You have my commitment, that once we get through this, we will do everything in our power to assist all those who are sacrificing for the greater good. Together, we must ensure as much social distancing as possible to slow the spread of the virus to reduce the devastation in our community. 

Although each one of us will have a personal story of how this has affected our lives, focusing on the community's health and working together to get through this time is how we will overcome these enormous obstacles. We will get through this pandemic together. Having the latest and the most accurate information is vital to helping you make the best decisions for you and your family.

Below you will find the latest information from various entities that was compiled by my staff. While we have made an effort to include as much information as possible, there may be some updates that we did not receive.   

COUNTY GUIDELINES
Precinct One will be following the guidelines jointly issued by Harris County Public Health Department, the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Harris County and the City of Houston on March 12. Designed to create the social distancing needed to help slow the spread of the virus throughout our community, these guidelines are what we will follow. Please note that the guidelines were updated yesterday and now limit gathering to 10 people or less. Additionally, the following Precinct One facilities and programs will be closed or suspended until further notice:
  • Precinct One community centers
  • Any gatherings of greater than 10 people
  • All seniors programs (excluding Meals on Wheels)
  • Organized sports at Precinct One sports fields
  • Harris County aquatics program
  • Youth after-school programs
  • Precinct One transportation services

RESOURCES

Important Numbers:
To help separate fact from fiction, you can  have your questions answered by trained professionals:
  • Harris County residents can get the latest information by calling Harris County Public Health's dedicated hotline at 832-927-7575 (9 am to 7 pm everyday)
  • You can also text CV19 to 888777 to get text updates directly from Ready Harris
  • City of Houston residents are encouraged to contact 832-393-4220 (9 am to 7pm M-F, 9 am to 3pm on Saturday)
  • Additionally uninsured residents of unincorporated Harris County can call the"Ask My Nurse" hotline for clinical-related questions at 713-634-1110 (9 am to 7 pm everyday)



Immigrants: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that any testing, treatment or services relating to COVID19 will NOT be used against immigrants in their public charge evaluation. More information can be found here.

Small Business Relief: Harris County and the State of Texas are working to qualify for Small Business Administration Economic Injury Loan Disaster. To complete and EIDL worksheet, business owners can go to this website. This is NOT a loan application but will help qualify Texas for inclusion in the program.

Food Distribution: HISD is partnering with the Houston Food Bank to get food out to our community. Curbside pickup is available and social distancing is required. Check the map for time and place.

Price Gouging: If you witness an instance of price gouging during the #COVID19 response, report it to the Harris County Attorney's Office so that we can hold them accountable.
Email ConsumerHelp@cao.hctx.net
or call
832-839-6941    
More information found here.
 
Volunteer: Volunteers are needed at the
Houston Food Bank and fosters are needed at area animal shelters.

Grocery Stores:
Grocery stores will continue to operate and are restocking every day. No need to rush to the store or hoard food. Stores will have varied hours to provide time to restock. While at the stores, practice social distancing and be sensitive to the needs of others. Curbside pick up and delivery are good options too, some stores are also offering those services for free during this time. They are also hiring!

Mental Health: Take care of your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Disaster Distress Line 1-800-985-5990 offers free counseling 24/7 (in various languages).

Staying Healthy: Please keep in mind that the number one way to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 remains good hygiene and cleaning practices, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Harris County Public Health. That means you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds several times a day, stay home if you're feeling sick, and sterilize dirty surfaces at home and at work with detergent or soap.
 
I hope these resources are helpful. Feel free to share with your neighbors. We'll continue updating our list and providing frequent updates.

Thank you for continuing to care for your family and neighbors during this difficult time. Please reach out to my office if we can be of assistance or answer your questions. Together, we will get through this.


Sincerely, 

RE Signature  

 
Rodney Ellis
 
 
 

Commissioner Rodney Ellis
Harris County Precinct One
1001 Preston, Suite 950
Houston, TX 77002
713-991-6881