HOUSTON - Harris County’s COVID-19 threat level was lowered on Thursday to Level 3: Yellow, the second-lowest category in the indicator system.
This is the second time in two weeks that the threat level has been lowered, as positive cases and hospitalizations continue to decline following the Omicron wave of infections.
RELATED: Harris County COVID-19 threat level lowered to Level 2: Orange
"My hope is that we are at a permanent turning point of this pandemic," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. "But we’ve yet to have a wave where our hospitals don’t get overwhelmed, so we need to tread with caution before we declare victory over this virus."
According to the county’s guidance, Level 3 signifies a moderate but controlled level of COVID-19 in Harris County, meaning a further demonstrated reduction in transmission and that the local healthcare system is well within capacity.
RELATED: US to ease nationwide mask mandate on planes, buses next month
At this threat level, unvaccinated individuals are advised to continue to mask and physically distance.
Fully vaccinated individuals should mask or physically distance where required by rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance, officials say.
Regardless of vaccination status, county officials say individuals should self-isolate if they believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 until confirmation of a negative PCR test.
FOLLOW THE LATEST COVID-19 NEWS
The COVID-19 vaccine and vaccine booster are available at no charge for all Harris County residents 5 and above. To find out more information, locations and hours, click here.
For a complete list of indicators, guidance, and related information visit ReadyHarris.org.