Today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo updated the county’s COVID-19 public threat level from Significant (orange, Level 2) to Severe (red, Level 1).
Level 1 indicates a “severe and uncontrolled” level of COVID-19, meaning outbreaks are worsening, contact tracing capacity is strained or exceeded, and healthcare surge is likely. The elevation to threat level 1 – the highest in the system – comes as a variety of data demonstrate alarming trends that are on track to overwhelm the local healthcare system.
Residents are advised to wear masks where appropriate and to get vaccinated. Information on vaccines and COVID-19 testing is available at www.readyharris.org.
HCOHSEM will provide updates through social media and Ready Harris Alerts as needed.