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The COVID-19 threat level in Harris County has been lowered from red to orange after a year, signifying a major step forward for the area in the fight against the pandemic.
The risk level was reduced based on a downward trend of COVID-19-related hospitalizations, new cases and positivity rates. The Harris County/City of Houston COVID-19 Data Tracking website states information is provided by the SouthEast Texas Regional Advisory Council, Harris County Public Health and Houston Health Department.
“We’re taking a huge step toward normalcy,” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said in a May 18 Twitter post.
Under the orange threat level, unvaccinated residents are advised to wear masks, physical distance and avoid medium and large gatherings. Vaccinated residents don’t have to wear a mask or physical distance unless required to do so by local, state, federal, territorial, tribal rules and regulations.
“If you’re unvaccinated, continue to minimize all contacts,” Hidalgo tweeted. “If you’re vaccinated, you do you. Proud of this community for all the sacrifice that has made this moment possible.”
Hidalgo said the increased availability of vaccines and number of people getting vaccinated have helped decrease the threat level.
“This is not a mission accomplished moment, but we should feel encouraged that these vaccines have helped us finally trend in the right direction,” Hidalgo said in a news release. “Let’s continue to pull together and help persuade friends, family members and others who haven’t been vaccinated to do their part.”
Last year, Harris County instituted the COVID-19 threat level system that basically remained at the most dangerous level possible – red – until the latest development. Hidalgo thanked citizens who took precautions against the disease for the downgrade from red to orange.
The county judge warned that despite the change, the considerable threat from COVID-19 still looms large.
Hidalgo said that nearly 33% of Harris County residents have been fully vaccinated.