Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, “As of noon today, we elevate our public threat level from significant, orange level 2, to severe, red level 1. This is the highest possible COVID threat level in Harris county. It means there’s a severe and uncontrolled level of COVID-19.” #khou

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, “The outbreaks are worsening. Our public health capacity is strained or exceeded. Healthcare surge is not only likely, it is already in progress. This is a serious situation. And we cannot let this moment pass without action.” #khou #HTownRush

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, “Here are the steps every resident needs to take right now: Stay home except for essential needs like the grocery store, food, medicine. Avoid and cancel all gatherings of any size with people you don’t share a household with.” #khou #HTownRush

Hidalgo cont., “Essential workers practice special precautions to prevent spread. All vulnerable individuals stay home. Avoid nonessential personal travel, non essential business and public transportation when possible.” #khou #HTownRush

County Judge Lina Hidalgo, “Whichever angle you look at it from, our situation is far worse today than when we issued the first stay home order in Harris county and when the state issued their first stay home order.” #khou #HTownRush

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, “All of the data is what I’m relying on. The curves that show our capacity running out in a matter of days or just a few weeks...are conservative estimates. The first time we flattened the curve it took us weeks and we may not have weeks.” #khou

Judge Lina Hidalgo says wishful thinking isn’t a good health policy, “What works are sustained social distancing practices over time. What does not work is the status quo. And it should be obvious to anyone, it’s time to look at the truth straight in the face and be real.” #khou