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Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Highlights Unique County Apprenticeship Program with Behind the Scenes Tour of Wortham Center

11/19/2024

Harris County, TX, November 19, 2024 – Against the backdrop of the Wortham Theater, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo joined Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, along with Political and Communications Director Jay Malone and International Alliance of Theater Stage Hands (IATSE) Mark Grady to call attention to an important but often overlooked American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funded County Apprenticeship Advantage program.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Highlights Harris County Public Library Programs for Friends of the Library Week

10/24/2024

Harris County, TX, October 24, 2024 – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo joined Harris County Public Library (HCPL) Executive Director Edward Melton, Harris County Friends of the Library (HCFOL) President Susan Greer, viral sensation John "Curbside Larry" Schaffer, community leaders, HCPL staff and more at the Barbara Bush Library on Wednesday to celebrate National Book Month and National Friends of the Library Week. 

Harris County Commissioners Pass FY2025 Budget

09/19/2024

Harris County, TX, September 19, 2024, Today Harris County Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). They formally approved tax rates for the Harris County general fund, the Harris County Toll Road Authority and the Harris County Flood Control District. 

Harris County Passes New Family Financial Assistance Program

08/15/2024

Harris County, TX, August 15, 2024, Today Harris County Commissioners Court approved a new family financial assistance program. Under the new program, the approximately 1,600 families who were selected for Uplift Harris back in March will receive $500 monthly payments on a prepaid debit card that can only be used at certain vendors like grocery stores or pharmacies. According to the plan, families can expect to receive the payments in about four months. 

Harris County Commissioners Pass Major Vote To Invest In Flood Control Maintenance, Pending Voter Approval

08/15/2024

Harris County, TX, August 15, 2024 – Today Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously voted to adopt a new tax rate for the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), in order to fund deferred maintenance for existing flood control projects. Harris County residents will vote whether to approve the new initiative on the November ballot. 

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Commemorates Civil Rights Act Anniversary in Austin and Accompanies President Joe Biden to Houston on Air Force One

07/29/2024

Harris County, TX, July 29, 2024 – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo today attended the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 at the LBJ Presidential Library where President Joe Biden was the keynote speaker. The historic event, hosted by the LBJ Foundation, honors the landmark legislation signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964, which outlawed discrimination and led to historic progress in advancing civil rights and social justice in the United States.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Proclaims Today "Vice President Kamala Harris Day" in Honor of Vice President Harris's Visit to Houston and Harris County

07/25/2024

Harris County, TX, July 25, 2024, Harris County and Houston officials welcome back Vice President Kamala Harris in her second visit to Texas this month. Judge Hidalgo proclaimed today “Vice President Kamala Harris Day” in Harris County to honor Vice President Harris. Vice President Harris is in town to headline the American Federation of Teachers' 88th national convention, reflecting her ongoing commitment to championing American workers.

Joint Statement from Harris County Judge's Office & Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on IT Outage Impacts

07/19/2024

Harris County, TX, July 19, 2024, This morning Harris County was impacted by a global technology outage affecting critical IT systems across the globe. Crowdstrike, a global provider of cybersecurity software, said the outage was caused by a system error on their end and was not the result of a cyberattack or security breach. They are actively working to fix the issue, and systems are beginning to come back online.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Urges Residents to Stay Weather Aware and Have Hurricane Preparedness Kits and Plans Ready

07/06/2024

Harris County, TX, July 6, 2024 – Please see statement below from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is closely monitoring Beryl as it tracks across the Gulf of Mexico. Forecast confidence is increasing that Beryl will make landfall Southwest of Harris County, around the Matagorda Bay area. Given the forecast at this time, the concerns for our region are currently limited to rain, gusty winds, and some minor coastal flooding. Specifically, we are anticipating heavy rains early next week, but nothing beyond street flooding according to the current forecast. 

Judge Lina Hidalgo Statement on Inefficiencies in Harris County Competency Jail Restoration Process

06/26/2024

Harris County, TX, June 26, 2024 – Judge Lina Hidalgo issued the following statement today after the Office of County Administration (OCA) identified issues and inefficiencies in the Harris County jail competency restoration process. At Commissioners Court yesterday, OCA identified a case where an individual stayed in the Harris County Jail awaiting trial for nearly 18 years due to these inefficiencies. 

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Celebrates Juneteenth with the Kinsey Family During Tour of the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection

06/19/2024

Harris County, TX, June 19, 2024 – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo toured the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection today at Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH).    

She was joined by co-founders and owners of the collection, Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, their son, General Manager and Chief Curator, Kahlil B. Kinsey, and a diverse group of over 100 Harris County community members.

Judge Lina Hidalgo and County Attorney Christian Menefee's Statement on Texas Supreme Court's Ruling Blocking Uplift Harris Program

06/14/2024

Harris County, TX, June 14, 2024, Today, the Texas Supreme Court issued an opinion further extending its initial pause of Harris County's Uplift Harris guaranteed income program. Uplift Harris is a pilot guaranteed income program in which around 1,900 low-income Harris County residents would receive $500 a month for eighteen months. The program was inspired by other such initiatives around the country and the state, including in the City of Austin and Cook County, Illinois. Paxton sued Harris County in April to block Uplift Harris payments from going out, claiming that the program violated the Texas Constitution's ban on the gift of public funds and equal protection clause.

Harris County Public Library and Children's Museum Houston Receive Nation's Highest Honor

06/04/2024

Harris County, TX, June 4, 2024,  Judge Lina Hidalgo celebrates the Harris County Public Library and Children’s Museum Houston winning the nation’s highest museum and library honor, the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This is the first time in the award’s 30-year history that a museum and library from the same community have won the prestigious award in the same year.

Judge Lina Hidalgo Provides Update on Harris County Disaster Recovery Process

05/29/2024

Harris County, TX, May 29, 2024, Today Judge Lina Hidalgo issued the following statement about Harris County’s recovery from the severe weather events this month:

“We’re hitting the one month mark from the catastrophic flooding in our region. Since then, we’ve been hit hard twice more. It breaks my heart that these disasters have impacted so many people, but I’m really proud of the fact that various levels of government have worked to provide as much aid as necessary, and we’re seeing people make use of those resources more and more. I also want to thank the constituents who have spoken with me and my staff about how we can improve the aid process. We’ve worked directly with FEMA to make tweaks, for example trying to shorten the time it takes for people to receive aid and ensuring that we have the short-term hotel stay program,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo. 

Judge Hidalgo: Harris County Should Be Eligible for Public Assistance from Federal Government To Fund Recovery

05/18/2024

Harris County, TX, May 18, 2024, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced today that Harris County government should be eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, based on the cost of the damage from the severe winds this week. 

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides grants to state and local governments, as well as certain types of private nonprofits, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. Public Assistance funding will reimburse Harris County and other affected governmental entities in our region for up to 75% of the cost of recovery measures like debris removal, as well as other emergency and protective measures. In order to be eligible for Public Assistance, Harris County has to meet a certain threshold for damages that is based on population, equivalent to about $22 million. 

State Request for Presidential Disaster Declaration Along with Judge Lina Hidalgo Will Bring Help to Harris County Communities Affected by San Jacinto River Flooding

05/16/2024

Harris County, TX, May 16, 2024, Harris County, TX, May 16, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott’s letter to President Biden requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Texas communities impacted by severe weather will bring aid to Harris County communities affected by the recent San Jacinto River flooding as soon as the first week of June. 

Judge Hidalgo Helps Deliver Federal Funding to Harris County For Clean Energy Transition and Green Jobs

04/22/2024

Harris County, TX, April 22, 2024 – This Earth Day, Harris County and the Texas Solar for All Coalition received a major federal grant of $250 million to fund the clean energy transition. Over the past year, Harris County led the Texas Solar for All Coalition, a group of six Texas county and city governments, as well as state energy nonprofits, in applying for this historic federal funding. 

Judge Lina Hidalgo Issues Statement In Response to District Court Ruling Protecting Assistance for Families in Poverty

04/18/2024

Harris County, TX, April 18, 2024 – Today, Judge Ursula Hall of Harris County’s 165th District Court denied the Texas Attorney General’s attempt to block the disbursement of Uplift Harris funds. Although the program is technically allowed to go into effect as planned on April 24, we expect the state to appeal and continue attacking Harris County. 

Judge Hidalgo Reveals Troubling Audit Findings, Calls for Urgent Reforms in Harris County

04/12/2024

Harris County, TX, April 12, 2024, Earlier today, Judge Hidalgo held an illuminating meeting with the Harris County Auditor, the departments involved (Engineering Department, Flood Control Department and Harris County Toll Road Authority), the Purchasing Department and the County Administrator's Office. The audits can be found on the Auditor’s website. The Harris County Commissioners Court does not oversee the Harris County Auditor. Rather, he reports to a board of district court judges.

Judge Lina Hidalgo Issues Statement In Response to Attorney General Ken Paxton Seeking to Stop Harris County Program

04/09/2024

Harris County, TX, April 9, 2024 – Today, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Harris County’s federally funded guaranteed income pilot program. The lawsuit falsely claims that Harris County’s Uplift Harris program is illegal under Texas law and in practice, if he succeeds in getting an injunction, the lawsuit will take away $500 a month from 1,928 low-income Harris County families who are already counting on those dollars to feed their household, pay the rent, and keep the lights on. 

In January, Harris County created the “Uplift Harris” guaranteed income pilot program, joining more than 80 cities and counties across the nation and other countries around the world that have seen success through similar programs. In Texas, San Antonio and Austin ran similar programs starting in 2020 and 2022, respectively. 

Judge Lina Hidalgo Attending White House Women’s History Month Reception This Morning, Advocating for Women’s Health and Economic Prosperity Alongside the Biden-Harris Administration

03/18/2024

Harris County, TX, March 18, 2024, Judge Lina Hidalgo is at the White House today to attend the Women’s History Month Reception attended by President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as elected officials and advocates from across the country. 

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Kicks Off Rodeo Season and A New Tradition in Houston and Harris County

02/22/2024

Harris County, TX, February 22, 2024, Harris County, TX, February 22, 2024, Judge Hidalgo along with County officials welcomed the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to NRG Stadium today by tossing the hat over to Rodeo officials during Harris County's First Ever Hat Toss Day. This new tradition signals the start of the iconic event here in Houston and Harris County and an unofficial kick-off to Rodeo season. 

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Announces Department Closures On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Due To Hard Freeze

01/15/2024

Harris County, TX, January 15, 2024 – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has announced the closure of all Harris County departments on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in response to the winter weather and a continued hard freeze in the region. Unless they are supporting essential operations, all county facilities and offices are closed to the public tomorrow. This means jury service for tomorrow has been canceled.

County Judge Lina Hidalgo To Be Discharged from Residential Treatment

09/14/2023

Harris County, Texas – September 14, 2023 – Judge Hidalgo today provided an update on her mental health treatment. Based on the advice of her medical care team, she will be discharged the morning of Saturday, September 16, 2023, to transition from residential care to outpatient care. The Judge will return to her usual schedule on Monday, October 2, 2023.

County Judge Lina Hidalgo Announces Temporary Leave from Office

08/07/2023

Harris County, Texas - August 7, 2023, Judge Hidalgo announcedtoday that, based on the advice of her doctors, she will be on leave from theoffice for the next several weeks to seek inpatient care for clinicaldepression at an out of state facility. Her medical care team is hopeful thatshe will be able to resume her normal schedule by early September.

County Judge Lina Hidalgo Breaks Ground on First-of-its-Kind Center Housing Youth Aging out of Foster Care

06/16/2023

Harris County, Texas- June 16, 2023, Judge Hidalgo today welcomed local, state, and federal leaders Friday to celebrate the groundbreaking for Harris County’s HAY Center for youth transitioning out of foster care. Once completed, the HAY Center will feature 50 apartments, and include wraparound services including counseling, life skills classes, and other resources.

Harris County Allocates $14.3 Million to Tackle Behavioral and Mental Health

08/25/2022

Harris County, TX - August 25, 2022, Judge Lina Hidalgo along with several local members of congress today introduced a $14.3 million initiative aimed at combating the growing mental health crisis and an additional $7.5 million to address nutritional and food insecurity. Through a multi-million dollar allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the Behavioral and Mental Health Program will increase access to mental health services, with a focus on expanding counseling for youth and their families, before mental health issues become debilitating or a crisis for individuals.

Harris County Expands Vaccine Eligibility as Monkeypox Cases Continue to Spread

08/16/2022

Harris County, TX - August 16, 2022, Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced Houston/Harris County will expand eligibility criteria to include HIV+ individuals and those diagnosed with Chlamydia. Previously, vaccines were available to individuals in direct contact with someone who had contracted Monkeypox, attended an event where there was a high risk of exposure, were currently on PrEP medication, or diagnosed with gonorrhea or early syphilis within the past three months.

Judge Hidalgo Announces Brighter Futures for Harris County Kids Initiative

08/03/2022

Harris County, Texas - August 3, 2022 – Judge Lina Hidalgo shared evidence-based strategies as the cornerstone of an $84 million investment in Harris County children and families. The Brighter Futures for Harris County Kids was announced in a press conference Wednesday afternoon. Judge Hidalgo along with Commissioner Ellis, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, Congressmember Al Green, and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher announced the $84 million initiative at the Children’s Museum Houston.

New program funded by American Rescue Plan funds will allocate historic $48 million dollar investment for childcare and early childhood development

06/14/2022

Harris County, Texas - June 14, 2022, In a 3 to 2 vote, commissioners court approved a new program investing $48 million American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds for childcare and early childhood development in Harris County. It is the largest known investment of ARPA dollars by any county or city in the nation for early childhood education.

Harris County Judge Announces New $8 million Program to Support Parents, Educators, and Children with Early Childhood Initiatives

02/22/2022

(Harris County, TX - February 22, 2022) - Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday awarded grantees a combined total of $7.9 million in American Rescue Plan funds provided by the Biden-Harris Administration to seed a targeted portfolio of early childhood programs, including resources for educators and new parents, and the expansion of home-based child care providers.

Harris County Judge Moves COVID-19 Threat Level to Level 2: Orange

05/18/2021

(Harris County, Texas) - May 18, 2021, Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced that she is moving the county’s COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from Level 1: Red to Level 2: Orange, the system’s second highest threat level. The move comes as a variety of indicators demonstrate significant progress in reducing the threat of COVID-19 and the availability, administration, and efficacy of vaccines for eligible age groups.

Harris County Launches On Demand COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment System; 55,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Now Available for the Week of April 19

04/16/2021

(Harris County, TX) – Friday, April 16, 2021, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) today announced that it has opened 55,000 COVID-19 vaccines for the week of April 19th. In response to vaccine supply starting to meet demand, residents who sign up for a vaccine from HCPH will now be given appointment options immediately after registering for a vaccine while supplies last. Individuals will be provided with a choice of date, time, and location to get vaccinated upon registering online at ReadyHarris.org or via phone with the HCPH Vaccine Hotline.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Announces Personnel Updates

04/01/2021

Today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced several key personnel updates to the County Judge’s Office. 

After more than two years of service to the County Judge’s Office, Chief of Staff Joe Madden will step down from his position as Chief of Staff. Starting immediately, Alex Triantaphyllis will serve as Chief of Staff. Additionally, Rafael Lemaitre will expand his duties and serve as Senior Advisor in addition to his current role as Communications Director. Wallis Nader, who currently serves as Deputy Policy Director, will be appointed as Policy Director for Judge Hidalgo.

$1.65 Million in Emergency Grants Invested by Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund in Area Nonprofits Serving Most Vulnerable

03/01/2021

(Harris County, TX) - Monday, March1, 2021-  As Houstonians begin to assess and address the costly damage caused by the recent extreme winter weather, the Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund is investing $1.65 million in emergency grants to support vulnerable families and individuals in critical need of home repairs due to busted pipes, water damage and prolonged power loss during the recent freezing temperatures.

Harris County Public Health Expands Vaccine Registration Process with New COVID-19 Vaccination Portal

01/25/2021

(Houston, TX) - Starting on Tuesday, January 26th, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) will launch anew COVID-19 Vaccination Portal for residents who meet the Texas Department of State Health Services(DSHS) criteria for receiving a vaccine. The portal will allow individuals to be placed on a waitlist andcontacted once vaccines and appointments are available.

Statement from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on FDA Advisory Committee Endorsement of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

12/10/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Thursday December 10, 2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo released the following statement in response to the Food and Drug Administration advisory committee’s endorsement of a COVID-19 vaccine:

“The development of a COVID-19 vaccine within a year is an incredible human achievement. It’s a testament to the power of modern medicine, science, and the tireless efforts of researchers and institutions - many from right here in Harris County - who have worked so hard to finally bring light to the end of this tunnel.

Statement from Harris County Judge Hidalgo on 2021 Plans for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

12/08/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Tuesday December 8,2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued the following statement regarding plans for the 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo:
“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is part of the DNA that makes up who we are as Harris County. It’s an incredible forum for world class competition, entertainment, and scholarship.

Statement from Judge Hidalgo on Texas Surpassing One Million COVID-19 Cases

11/11/2020

(Harris County, TX) - November 11, 2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo released the following statement: “What we’re seeing here in Texas is what happens when you let denial and politics drive public health policy. It’s tragic not only because of the alarming trends we’re seeing, but also because we’re stuck in a vicious cycle of wishful thinking and unsustainable reopenings....

Statement from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on the Appointment of Isabel Longoria to the Position of Harris County Elections Administrator

10/30/2020

(Harris County Tx) - October 30, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced the appointment of Isabel Longoria as Harris County Elections Administrator. The new Elections Administrator position - created by Commissioners Court in July - will conduct all voter registration work previously conducted by the Tax assessor-collector and election management work conducted by the County clerk’s office.

Harris County Commissioners Court Approves $10 Million Investment in Early Childhood Development

10/28/2020

(Harris County, TX) - October 28, 2020, Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved the Early Childhood Impact Fund, a $10 million accelerator of innovative and evidence-based programs designed to help children thrive. Over a period of two to three years, the initiative will provide seed investments to programs with significant potential to dramatically improve early childhood outcomes and provide critical support for young children and their families.

County Judge Lina Hidalgo: Indoor, maskless gatherings should not be taking place right now, and this applies to bars as well

10/08/2020

(Harris County, TX) - October 7, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today issued the followingstatement:

“Months ago,we established the Harris County Threat Level System - critical public healthbenchmarks to determine the county’s level of reopening and make way forsustainable, long-term reopenings. We have not been able to enforce the ThreatLevel System, which has led to a much slower decrease in the virusincidence. 

Statement from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on State Voter Suppression Efforts

10/01/2020

(Harris County, TX) - October 1, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today issued the following statement in response to Governor Abbott’s executive order closing down 11 mail-in ballot drop-off locations in Harris County 33 days before the general election. Governor Abbott’s proclamation reverses previous state guidance allowing counties to provide voters with multiple official ballot drop off locations and leaves Harris County with only one ballot drop-off site.

Statement from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Governor Abbott’s Reopening Plans

09/17/2020

(Harris County, TX) - September 17, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today issued the following statement in response to reopening plans announced by Governor Abbott:

“Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of our residents, trends are moving in the right direction, but we cannot let our guard down and we are not out of the woods. There isn’t a single person in Harris County who wants our businesses, schools or other facets of daily life to remain closed longer than they need to, but this virus hasn’t gone away and my commitment to the residents is to ensure the County’s position reflects responsible steps that must be taken for a sustainable new normal.

Harris County Establishes New COVID-19 Domestic Violence Assistance Fund

09/15/2020

(Harris County, TX) - September 15, 2020, Judge Hidalgo today announced that Harris County Commissioners Court has approved $2,178,550 to support survivors of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding, approved by the court, will establish a Harris County COVID-19 Domestic Violence Assistance program to bridge gaps in assistance for survivors by providing an array of services including childcare, food, transportation and housing.

Statement from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on the "Ike Dike"

08/27/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Thursday, August 27, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo today issued the following statement regarding the need to invest in flood mitigation.

“It shouldn’t take a near miss of a catastrophic hurricane to force our national leaders to recognize the urgency of investing in flood infrastructure, including a coastal barrier for Galveston Bay.

Harris County Commissioners Court to Launch Emergency Rental Assistance Program

08/14/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Friday, August 14, 2020, The Harris County Commissioners and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo unanimously approved a $15 million emergency rental assistance program to help individuals in Harris County suffering economic hardships due to the effects of COVID-19. Due to the overwhelming demand for rental assistance in Harris County, Judge Hidalgo and the Commissioners subsequently increased the amount of assistance to be provided through this program to $25 million.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Releases Harris County Roadmap to Reopen Schools

08/12/2020

(Harris County,TX) August 12, 2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Harris CountyPublic Health today released a roadmap to reopening schools, a data-driven planto advise local school districts on what thresholds to use when considering to reopenschools. The guidance, developed based on national and international researchand with the input of public health experts and school officials, is designedto put Harris County schools on track for a realistic, responsible, safe, andsustainable reopening. It includes a common set of metrics school leadersshould rely on and actions those leaders should take once those milestones areachieved.

WHITE OAK BAYOU FEDERAL PROJECT EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 2021

07/29/2020

(HOUSTON, TX) Wednesday 29,2020 - With the first of two remaining construction segments set to begin in fall 2020, the White Oak Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction Project is expected to be completed in 2021. Construction on the first 10-mile stretch of White Oak Bayou from Hollister Road upstream to F.M. 1960 includes excavation work to widen and deepen White Oak Bayou. Additional work includes replacing and modifying drainage pipes that direct stormwater into the bayou.

Harris County and City of Houston Local Health Authorities Sign Joint Health Order Requiring Suspension of In-Person Instruction for all Public and Non-Religious Private Schools Until at Least September 8

07/24/2020

(Harris County, TX) - July 24, 2020, Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Executive Director of Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and Local Health Authority for Harris County, and David Persse, MD, FACEP, FAEMS, Local Health Authority for the Houston Health Department, today signed a joint public health order requiring all public and non-religious private schools in Harris County to remain closed to in-person instruction until at least September 8. The start of on-campus instruction and activity may be delayed further based on ongoing monitoring and assessment of public health mitigation conditions.

Statement from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on In-Person Instruction in Schools

07/20/2020

(Harris County, TX) - July 20, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Executive Director of Harris County Public Health Dr. Umair Shah today sent a letter to school district superintendents across the County outlining a series of recommendations schools should take to protect the health and safety of students, teachers, staff, and the community as a whole, including delayed opening for in-person instruction.

Application Period Opens for Harris County Small Business Recovery Fund

07/13/2020

(Harris County, TX) - July 13, 2020, Eligible businesses can apply for financial assistance through the Harris County Small Business Recovery Fund today through Friday, July 24. The $30 million grant program, which was unanimously approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court on June 30, prioritizes struggling small businesses that have not yet received funds from other COVID-19 relief programs.

City of Houston, Harris County and Coalition For the Homeless Announce Joint $65M Plan to House 5,000 People Experiencing Homelessness

07/01/2020

(Houston, Texas) — July 1, 2020, The City of Houston, Harris County, and the Coalition for the Homeless today announced a joint, $65-million plan to house 5,000 people experiencing homelessness over the next two years to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Community-wide COVID-19 Housing Program (CCHP) represents an unprecedented coordinated effort on the part of the City and the County to address homelessness in the region.

Statement from Judge Hidalgo on COVID-19 Exposure

06/28/2020

(Harris County, TX) - June 28, 2020, Today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced that she is self-quarantining after being potentially exposed to COVID-19 last week. The exposure came on Monday, June 22 via a member of the Harris County Judge’s office whose positive test results were confirmed over the weekend and is self-isolating. Judge Hidalgo and staff who were potentially exposed will be tested and are self-quarantining for 14 days from exposure until Monday July 6 following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Judge Hidalgo has not shown any symptoms.

Harris County Threat Level Upgraded to ‘Severe’ as COVID-19 Spread Continues Record-breaking Climb

06/26/2020

(Harris County, TX) - June 26, 2020, Today at noon, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo will update the county’s COVID-19 public threat level from significant (orange, level two) to severe (red, level one). Level one indicates a “severe and uncontrolled” level of COVID-19, meaning outbreaks are worsening, contact tracing capacity is strained or exceeded, and healthcare surge is likely. The elevation to threat level 1 - the highest in the system - comes as a variety of data demonstrate alarming trends that are on track to overwhelm the local healthcare system.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Announces New COVID-19 Health and Safety Requirements for Businesses

06/19/2020

(Harris County, Tx) - June 19, 2020, As hospital admissions for COVID-19 continue to climb across the county, today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an order requiring businesses to generate, post, and implement health and safety policies which include, at a minimum, a requirement that workers, customers or visitors wear face coverings. The order takes effect at 12:01 am on Monday, June 22, 2020.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Announces Harris County COVID-19 Threat Level System as County Hospital Admissions Reach Highest Level to Date

06/11/2020

(Harris County, Tx) - June 11, 2020, As hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Harris County reach their highest level ever, today County Judge Lina Hidalgo unveiled a new public threat level system designed to help residents understand the threat level from COVID-19 and provide clear guidance on steps the general public must take to protect themselves, their community, and support the conditions to avoid a crisis and sustainably reopen the local economy. The system, informed by the latest data from local health authorities, research institutions, and public health experts, informs a color-coded level indicator for residents displaying the level of COVID-19 threat.

Harris County $30 Million COVID-19 Relief Fund Established To Support Most Vulnerable in County

05/28/2020

(Houston, TX) - May 28, 2020– Harris County has established the Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide much-needed relief to Harris County residents most impacted by the global pandemic. The $30 million fund, which will be administered by Greater Houston Community Foundation, aims to strategically serve a large number of the most vulnerable people, in particular county residents who may not be eligible for other COVID-related funding and/or who cannot afford to wait for assistance.

Harris County to Open Free COVID-19 Testing Sites in Pasadena and Cy-Fair

05/28/2020

(Harris County, Texas) - May 28, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo and the Harris County Department of Public Health today announced the county’s two largest COVID-19 test sites will be moved to new locations. The testing sites will move to Pasadena and Cy-Fair from Baytown and Katy and will begin services June 1 , weather permitting. Saturday, May 30, will be the last day the Baytown and Katy sites will be open and residents in those areas who need to be tested are encouraged to take action to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Smaller mobile sites will continue to visit the Baytown and Katy area periodically.

Harris County Judge Announces Worker Protection Guidelines for Businesses, Manufacturing & Construction Reopening during Pandemic

05/21/2020

(Harris County, TX) - May 21, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced worker protection guidelines for retail businesses and construction sites as they reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommended guidelines, which include screening workers for symptoms, conducting routine disinfection, and staggering shifts when practicable, intend to provide baseline safeguards to ensure employees and customers are protected as facilities open for business and construction activity increases.

Harris County Judge Announces Framework to Guide County Containment Efforts COVID-19 Amid Statewide Orders to Reopen Economy

04/28/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Tuesday, April 28, 2020 - Today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced a three-point framework designed to contain the spread of COVID-19 as a phased approach to reopen the economy across Texas begins to ramp up. The framework contains three key components, including increased tracing of positive cases, enhanced testing capacity, and continued efforts to ensure there is enough healthcare capacity to weather a spike in cases.

Harris County Judge Announces Strike Team to Bring COVID-19 Testing to Senior Centers, High-risk Communities

04/27/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Monday, April 27, 2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced the launch of a Harris County COVID-19 Strike Team to identify high-risk congregate settings and bring testing to them. Starting Tuesday, the team, composed of county epidemiologists, public health experts, social workers, and testing staff, will conduct site assessments, provide recommendations or control orders where needed, and provide the ability to test large groups of residents and staff at locations such as senior centers, nursing homes, and shelters.

Harris County Judge Orders Residents to Wear Masks in Public for Next 30 Days

04/22/2020

(Harris County, TX) - April 22, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Wednesday issued an order requiring residents to wear masks when in public for the next 30 days, beginning on Monday, April 27, 2020. The order requires individuals over the age of 10 to wear a face covering, which can be a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief, when outside the home. Medical masks or N-95 respirators are not recommended as they are needed for health-care workers and first responders.

Harris County Judge Appoints State Representative Armando Walle to Lead COVID-19 County Relief and Recovery Effort

04/20/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Monday, April 20, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Monday selected State Representative Armando Walle to lead the COVID-19 pandemic relief and recovery effort on her behalf. As Harris County COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Czar, Rep. Walle is tasked with leading the effort to drive the region’s economic recovery.

Governor Abbott, Harris County Judge Hidalgo Joint Statement On New Walgreens Testing Sites

04/15/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Wednesday, April 15, 2020, AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced two new COVID-19 drive-through testing sites for Harris County in partnership with Walgreens. These sites are set to come online Friday, April 17th, and will have the capacity to conduct 200 tests per day at each location. For the past week, Governor Abbott has been working with Judge Hidalgo and Walgreens to bring these sites online and increase Harris County's testing capacity. Testing in these locations will be available by appointment and individuals will first need to complete a digital health assessment to determine eligibility using criteria establish by CDC.

Harris County Expands COVID-19 Testing Capacity with 2 Additional Pop-up Locations, Doubles Testing Capacity at Existing Sites

04/13/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Monday, April 13, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced two new Harris County Public Health (HCPH) mobile units will provide drive-through testing for COVID-19, adding up to 200 tests per day to the county’s current testing capacity. Each pop-up site, which will rotate locations across the precincts starting Tuesday, will be able to up to 100 drive-through tests per day. Additionally, testing capacity at HCPH’s two existing stationary sites will increase to 500 tests per location, per day, starting Wednesday.

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HARRIS COUNTY PARKS

04/08/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Wednesday, March 11, 2020, a Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency was issued to allow Harris County to take measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 and promote the health and safety of Harris County residents

Harris County Launches Online Screening Tool to Streamline COVID-19 Testing, Two Additional Testing Sites for Residents

03/23/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Monday, March 23, 2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Dr. Umair Shah, Executive Director of Harris County Public Health, City of Houston partners on Monday announced an online COVID-19 assessment tool for residents who believe they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever or dry cough. The online screening tool is available now at ReadyHarris.org.

Harris County Judge Hidalgo Releases Playlist on “Go Texan Day,” Official Start of Festivities for the 2020 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

02/28/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Friday, February 28, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo will join elected officials, volunteers, businesses and residents to celebrate Go Texan Day and the start of official festivities for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. In the spirit of the arrival of this year’s festivities, Judge Hidalgo released a playlist showcasing her picks for music to celebrate rodeo season in Harris County, comprised of artists who have performed or will perform at the rodeo.

Harris County Judge Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Announce Restaurant and Bar Closures to Help Slow Spread of COVID-19

02/16/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Monday, March 16, 2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo joined Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner to announce additional measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 across the Houston metropolitan area. The announcement ordered restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to close with the exception of take out, delivery, or drive-through services.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Launches Coronavirus Rumor Control Resource For Residents

02/11/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Tuesday, February 11, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced a new resource for Harris County residents concerned about the spread of novel coronavirus (n-COV). Since the outbreak of coronavirus was detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019, several unsubstantiated and misleading rumors regarding the virus have spread across Harris County online and via social media.

Harris County Judge Hidalgo Releases Running Playlist ahead of Houston Chevron Marathon

01/16/2020

(Harris County, TX) - January 16, 2020, On Sunday, January 19, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo will join more than 30,000 runners, volunteers, and spectators from Harris County and across the world for the 48th annual Houston Marathon, the largest single-day sporting event in Houston. An avid runner who has trained to participate in this year's race, Judge Hidalgo released her personal marathon training Spotify playlist.

Groundbreaking Upgrades to FEMA National Wireless Alerting System to Improve Targeting, Message Size and Accessibility for Harris County Residents During Emergencies

12/19/2019

(Harris County, TX) – December 19, 2019 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced major improvements to Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messages, part of the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS). WEA messaging is used to communicate risks and threats through mobile devices like smartphones that are connected to cellular data networks. Common uses include extreme weather emergencies and AMBER Alerts. The improvement comes after substantial negotiation and input from the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HCOHSEM).

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