Hidalgo lowers Harris County COVID-19 threat level despite new variant, notes 'winter spike is still possible'

Despite the emergence of a new COVID-19 strain, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo lowered the county's coronavirus threat level on Nov. 26.

"I’m lowering our COVID Threat Level from Level 2: Orange to Level 3: Yellow due to improved indicators," Hidalgo tweeted. "That said, winter COVID spike is still possible. Do your part to protect Harris County this holiday season. Get vaccinated or get your booster at ReadyHarris.org."

Orange indicates a "significant" risk while yellow is "moderate," ABC 13 reported.

“With key trends moving in the right direction we’ve reached another encouraging milestone,” Hidalgo said in a news release. “As the holiday season moves into full swing, I encourage everyone to do their part to help us avoid a winter spike other areas are facing. Vaccines for everyone, including children, as well as booster shots are now widely available on-demand across Harris County. Celebrate this amazing time with the peace of mind that you’re doing what is right to protect yourself, your family and your friends by getting vaccinated.”

With the new threat level, "fully vaccinated individuals may resume regular activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by law, or rules or regulations, including local business, school or workplace guidance," the judge wrote.

Hidalgo's decision to lower the threat level was made just as a new variant, omicron, was discovered in South Africa, prompting President Joe Biden to issue travel restrictions from South Africa and seven other countries, ABC 13 reported.