Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
This week, Harris County was placed under a public health disaster declaration that will impact all aspects of our operation – from running the state’s largest county jail to patrolling the neighborhoods we call home. While the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents a unique challenge to our Harris County Sheriff’s Office team, I am confident in our collective ability to live up to the “Pride of Texas” patch that we wear on our shoulders. I know this, because I’ve seen us do it before during hurricanes, tropical storms, industrial disasters, and other events that tested our grit and commitment to service.
Our team will shine during this moment, because of our people. You – the people on the front lines, the people who support them, and every valuable member of our team -- are our best weapon against any threat. We need you. More importantly, we need you healthy. To that end, I urge every HCSO teammate to follow the advice of experts who urge us to keep our hands washed, avoid close contact with others as much as possible, don’t touch your face, stay home if you have symptoms of coronavirus, such as a high fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
If you have traveled recently to any location that has experienced a large number of coronavirus exposures, tell your supervisor. If you want to obtain additional information related to COVID-19 please contact the Public Health Task Force Employee Hotline number at (713) 274-3880.
Harris Health System is aggressively responding to the Coronavirus COVID-19 present in our community, please
click here
to get more information. If you want an assessment and advice on symptoms, please call Harris Health System’s Ask My Nurse seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 713-634-1110. For the latest on the status of the coronavirus outbreak in Harris County, visit
www.readyharris.com
.
Our team is working hard to ensure that all of you have easy access to soap and handwashing stations. We have good supply of personal protective equipment, such as masks, body suits, and gloves, in case the need arises. Sanitary crews are being extra thorough, doing all they can to keep our buildings clean.
For our deputies working in the community, I encourage you to
read the advice
that was issued this week by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
We know that you and your families are struggling to go about everyday life during this challenging time, and we will do everything in our power to support you. I urge every member of our team to engage in open dialogue with your supervisors and subordinates about how we can pull together to hold each other up. Working together, the HCSO family will get through this challenge and show our community why we are worthy of their trust. God bless all of you.
