As Vaccine Arrives, COVID-19 Precautions and Testing Are Still Critical

Cases and Hospitalizations Increasing Rapidly

Some local hospitals will be receiving COVID-19 vaccine this week for their staffs. The supply is limited until more vaccine is produced, so groups of people will be vaccinated in phases. There should be enough for everyone sometime in 2021. The current increase in COVID-19 cases is concerning because we won’t see the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday for another week or two, close to Christmas time. Our best tools for stopping the increase are the simple precautions – handwashing, masks, social distancing – and testing. If hospitalizations continue to increase and there is a big spike in cases from Christmas, our hospitals could become overwhelmed. Staying home is safest, but if you are going to celebrate, have a small gathering outdoors and get tested before it. Testing at Harris County Public Health sites is free for everyone and results are available in 3-5 days. Mobile locations are listed below. Children can also be tested at these sites. Register at hcphtx.orgor call 832-927-7575. Most of the test sites below are open Monday-Saturday, 8a.m.-3p.m., exceptions are noted in Bold.

For the Pasadena and Katy test sites, register at www.doineedacovid19test.comor call 832-927-7575. People must be 13 or older to be tested at these locations.