Message from Houston Health Department
The threat COVID-19 poses to our community right now is higher than ever. There is severe and uncontrolled spread between our families, friends and communities. Testing, contact tracing, and hospital capacity is strained. People who don't know they're infected (asymptomatic) are spreading the virus to others.
Everyone should minimize contact with others and avoid leaving home except for essential needs, as much as possible. 25% of Houstonians tested for COVID-19 in June came back positive, indicating a high and increasing level of infection in our city. What we do today and over the next few weeks is critical to get the virus back under control. For more information about free Houston testing sites and protecting your family and community please visit HoustonEmergency.org/covid19 .
Protecting Yourself, Your Family and Your Community
- Wear a mask or cloth face covering when in public. Your mask helps protect people around you and their mask helps protect you. Make sure it covers your mouth and nose.
- Social distance by staying at least six feet away from other people. Avoiding close contact reduces the likelihood of the virus spreading person-to-person.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When you can't wash your hands, use hand sanitizer.
- Get tested so you are empowered to protect your family and community if infected. Isolate if you test positive.
- These preventive tactics work “Better Together.”
Hispanic Community
- Hispanic Houstonians are experiencing the impact of COVID-19 more than any other group based on percentage of cases and deaths.
- The Houston Health Department deployed an emergency response initiative to reach the Hispanic community through culturally relevant messaging and vehicles.
- No one from the Houston Health Department will ever ask you about your citizenship or immigration status.
- COVID-19 testing does not affect Green Card status or application for a permanent residency card. Undocumented individuals will not be deported if they test positive.
- Additionally, getting tested at Houston Health Department-affiliated sites is free, and does not require proof of residency, citizenship or insurance.
Young People
- Young people can help restore the economy by taking proper precautions to stop the spread.
- Although some of society is open, it is too soon to return to normal life.
- Young people, like everyone else, should minimize contact with others, wear masks and social distance when in public.
- If you are somewhere and you cannot both wear a mask and engage in social distancing, then you need to leave.
- Even young people are getting seriously ill, requiring hospitalization; some are dying.
- Although most healthy young people will recover from the disease, they may unknowingly pass it to people (including family members) who may suffer severe consequences, including death.
Other Ways to Slow the Spread
