Greetings!

President Trump proclaimed this morning that we Americans are in the midst of a “medical war,” a war in which a pandemic threatens to wreak havoc on our daily lives, today and for weeks to come.

Then, shortly after noon, Gov. Greg Abbott announced our state’s latest response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As our governor spoke, he praised our ability to rise to the challenges of Hurricane Harvey and called upon us to rise again to the challenges this virus has brought upon our society. Rest assured, we will overcome this challenge together as we have so many times risen to challenges before.

This disease will affect some of us personally, yet its uncertainty and economic challenges will test us all. Staying informed remains the best way we can protect ourselves. For this special edition of E-Corner , I asked my staff to round up some of the most important and relevant resources to help keep you informed, because the situation continues to shift day by day and moment by moment. I also encourage you to check the attached news sources frequently to get the best, most recent information possible.

Once again, your staff and employees throughout Harris County have responded and will continue to respond admirably to this novel challenge. The county’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management moved to Level I readiness, the highest readiness level, and the county’s health officials continue to work around the clock to “flatten the curve” and help us return to normal as quickly as possible.

With restaurants, bars, and other local businesses now closed by order of the governor - and all Precinct 4 group events and programs canceled through at least March 31 - you need to know that your parks in Precinct 4 are open, and we intend to keep them that way. Open air, as was discovered in the Great Flu Outbreak of 1918-1920, can help in viral outbreaks. So, while I recommend that park visitors continue to practice “social distancing,” I strongly encourage you to get out and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air while exploring our many lakes, trails, and gardens. 

Please know that all of us at Harris County – especially those of us at Precinct 4 – wish you and your family the safest and quickest return to normal. My staff and I remain committed to working hard to make that happen as soon as possible.
As always, let me or my staff know if we can help you. 

Sincerely,

Commissioner R. Jack Cagle
 
Executive Order From Gov. Abbott
Order No. 1: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
 
Order No. 2: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the
CDC, people shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors; provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of this executive order.
 
Order No. 3: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
 
Order No. 4: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, schools shall temporarily close.
Updates From Harris County
Harris County Call Center Information

For Harris County Residents:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH)
www.hcphtx.org\COVID-19
www.ReadyHarris.org
832-927-7575*
*This number is 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., everyday

Harris Health System
www.harrishealth.org
Ask-My-Nurse
713-634-1110*
*This number is 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., everyday clinical-related questions

New Regulations for Restaurants and Bars

Restaurants must operate as delivery/takeout/drive-thru only.

Bars and clubs must close.

All gatherings should be canceled or postponed.

To report violations, call the hotline at 832-839-6941.

For a complete list of regulations, click here.
Three Ways To Slow The Spread of Disease
SBA To Provide Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) Up to $2 Million in Disaster Assistance Loans

SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza issued the following statement today in response to the President’s address to the nation:

“The President took bold, decisive action to make our 30 million small businesses more resilient to Coronavirus-related economic disruptions. Small businesses are vital economic engines in every community and state, and they have helped make our economy the strongest in the world. Our Agency will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the situation. Additionally, the SBA continues to assist small businesses with counseling and navigating their own preparedness plans through our network of 68 District Offices and numerous Resource Partners located around the country. The SBA will continue to provide every small business with the most effective and customer-focused response possible during these times of uncertainty.”

Helpful Tips and Resources