Good morning, #Houston. This is Harris County reporter @zachdespart. @LinaHidalgoTX is about to announce the county is now at its worst threat level, because of spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
Get up to speed here --> https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Hidalgo-to-downgrade-Harris-County-to-worst-15368478.php

Hidalgo is urging residents to return to same conditions as stay-at-home period of March/April. This means:
- Only go out for errands
- Work from home if possible
- Avoid nursing homes
- Stay away from others
Unlike then, however, she lacks authority to make this mandatory.

Hidalgo cites @TXMedCenter stats showing 100% base ICU capacity full for the first time since pandemic began. She says no one has made a compelling argument than anything other than a stay at home will bring the virus under control.

Hidalgo has yet to mention @GovAbbott by name, + she has been careful to avoid criticizing the governor, but let's be clear: This is a strong rebuke of his approach to reopening Texas.
Inability for her to issue stay-home order, she says, leaves "one hand tied behind our back."

Hidalgo announces ban on outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people in unincorporated Harris County. Governor granted local leaders this authority.
Yes, this applies to high school graduations.
Hidalgo is urging mayors to do same for their cities.
@SylvesterTurner, will you?

. @ushahmd, Harris County's health director, is urging residents to stay home, stay home, stay home if they can. Only if residents collectively change behavior can this virus be brought under control.

Hidalgo repitiendo sus comentarios en español ahora. Escucha aqui --> https://www.facebook.com/ReadyHarris/videos/888591391621687/

This is Hidalgo's most forceful plea to date to the public:
"If we don’t act now, we will be in a crisis. If we don’t stay home now, we’ll have to stay home when there are images of hospital beds in hallways."