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Texas to decide on possible rollbacks for Houston-area soon
Harris Co. Judge Lina Hidalgo says Texas will determine whether or not the Houston-area has reached concerning levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations later today.
HOUSTON - Several counties in the Houston area, including Harris County, could see restrictions put back into place as the COVID-19 hospitalization rate continues to rise.
The rate has been trending in the wrong direction for a few months now, and counties could see restrictions put back into place as early as Tuesday.
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Judge Lina Hidalgo spoke at a press conference Tuesday afternoon saying unless things change in the next few hours, Trauma Service Area Q, which includes Harris County, will reach the threshold.
"What we need to recognize, without community action right now ... we are going to find ourselves in a very difficult situation," said Judge Hidalgo.
She stressed that the trajectory needs to dramatically change and make COVID-19 hospitalizations decrease and flatten.
"This is the wake up call for us. This may be the last wake up call for us."
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Some Houston area counties could face restrictions if hospitalization rate remains high
Governor Greg Abbott issued an order that if the hospitalization rate for COVID-19 went above 15 percent in a region for seven consecutive days that re-openings would roll back in an effort to bring the hospitalization rate down.
Governor Greg Abbott issued an order that if the hospitalization rate for COVID-19 went above 15% in a region for seven consecutive days that re-openings would roll back in an effort to bring the hospitalization rate down.
In Harris County, the rate has been above 15% for six days now. Tuesday could be the seventh day, meaning bars would shut down indoor service, elective surgeries would be canceled, and businesses that are operating at 75% capacity, like restaurants, would have to scale back to 50% capacity.
RELATED: Galveston, Brazoria County requesting Trauma Service Area change
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo spoke on Monday about how residents can do their part to turn the situation around.
"We have to be careful as residents of this community to do our work and our part in keeping these numbers from getting worse," Judge Hidalgo said. "Recognizing that the fact that folks are allowed to gather at 75 and 50% capacity doesn’t mean that it’s safe to do so. We can support establishments, takeout, drive-thru."
We will wait and see what today’s hospitalization rate will be, and will bring you any updates if the restrictions go into effect.
MORE: COVID-19 testing in greater Houston area: how and where