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Posts published in “Day: March 17, 2020”

CORONAVIRUS CASES CLIMB TO 27, OFFICIALS CANCEL MOST PUBLIC EVENTS

March 17, 2020
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Health officials and Rodeo officials, at press conference last Tuesday, announcing that the city and county were issuing Health State of Emergency notices for the month of March. The Rodeo closed immediately and most city events were cancelled.

UPDATED – March 14, 2020 – Health Officials confirmed the fifth case of coronavirus in the City of Houston, and another in Montgomery County, making a total of 27 in the Houston areas. Officials said that the recorded 5 cases in Houston, 6 cases in Harris County, 9 cases in Fort Bend County, 2 cases in Brazoria County, 1 in Galveston County, and 4 in Montgomery County. (NOTE: This number will change as days go by.)

HOUSTON – With 27 coronavirus (COVID-19) cases reported in the Houston and Harris County areas, the city and the county are on high alert. Most of the cases can be traced to either a vacation cruise on the Nile River in Egypt, or attendance at the Houston Rodeo cook-off. However, several cases have not been identified with these causes, and are being investigated.

Actions have been taken to prevent the virus spread, such as closures of the Rodeo, schools and colleges, athletic events, and entertainment. The scope of closures is unprecedented in modern times.

A call center has been opened to answer questions from the public. Houstonians can call the center at 832-393- 4220 to speak to Health department staff and obtain information about the disease or get their questions answered.

The call center will open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will return voice messages left after hours the following day on a first call, first served basis.

Federal action is expected next week, with test centers and financial relief for those unable to work.

Last Thursday, Mayor Turner updated the public on the city of Houston’s response to containing and mitigating the spread of COVID-19 at a press conference.

The mayor’s office has received questions about whether the city is going to shut down through the end of March. ”That is not true. For the month of March, we are rescheduling or canceling events that are produced, sponsored, and permitted by the city of Houston,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “The status of our grocery stores and retailers remains strong and while it is always good to buy supplies or groceries that can last for a week or two, there is no reason for you to overdo it.”

Harris County Health Officials recommend the following steps for people at higher risk. These steps are recommended until March 31, 2020 or until otherwise noted.

GUIDANCE FOR PEOPLE AT HIGHER RISK FOR SEVERE COVID-19 ILLNESS

People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. (more…)

List of Cancellations, postponements in area

March 17, 2020

Note: this list is changing daily, check with your event prior to attendance.

The containment of the Coronavirus has caused the following cancellations or postponements:

EDUCATION:

Aldine ISD, extended break through March 23, school starts March 24. Free meals will be served on the days off.

Houston ISD, cancelled all classes and events until March 31.

Lone Star College extended their break until March 25, Houston Community College extended until March 23.

EVENTS:

Houston Rodeo cancelled. Most city sponsored events cancelled for March.

East Aldine Groundbreaking cancelled.

North Houston Little League Parade and Opening Day Postponed. Reset for April 6th games.

(more…)

Yvonne Lopez-Taylor, Dawn Brimhall named AISD top educators: Sandra Doria, Jeana Morrison-Adams named district’s top principals

March 17, 2020
PICTURED: Dawn Brimhall and Yvonne Lopez-Taylor, center, were selected Aldine ISD’s top educators at the Educator of the Year Breakfast held Friday, March 6 at the Hilton North Houston Hotel. Brimhall was named the district’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, while Lopez-Taylor was named the district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year. Pictured with them are Aldine ISD Board President Paul Shanklin, Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, members of the Aldine ISD Board of Trustees, AEF President David Smith and the four district-wide finalists.

Aldine ISD celebrated its top teachers and principals at the Boots and Bling Educator of the Year Breakfast, held Friday, March 6 at the Hilton North Houston Hotel.

Aldine ISD Trustees, district administrators, campus administrators, teachers and business partners donned their best western wear to celebrate Aldine ISD teachers and campus administrators.

Yvonne Lopez-Taylor of Carter Academy was named the district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year, while Dawn Brimhall of Davis High School was named Aldine’s Secondary Teacher of the Year.

The four Teacher of the Year finalists were Darilyn Daniels of Jones Elementary School, Ian Herran of Parker Elementary School, Thomasina Gatson of Victory Early College High School and Lauren Settecerri of Teague Middle School.

For the first time ever, the district selected a rookie elementary and secondary teacher of the year. Kimberly Grein of Francis Elementary was named the Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year and Derrick Houston of Grantham Academy was named the Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year.

In addition, the district’s Principals of the Year and Rookie Principal of the Year were also announced.

Sandra Doria of Worsham Elementary was named the Elementary Principal of the Year, while Jeana Morrison-Adams was named the Secondary Principal of the Year and Aisley Adams of Nimitz Ninth Grade School was named the Rookie Principal of the Year.

All honored educators received monetary awards from the Aldine Education Foundation. (more…)

COVID-19 Precautions to take

March 17, 2020
Sen. Sylvia Garcia

By Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia

Dear Friend,

With 14 COVID-19 cases reported in the greater Houston area, including two in the City of Houston, and five in Harris County, the city and county are on high alert.

Thankfully, we are lucky to have some of the world’s smartest medical experts in the Houston area who are responding to these cases right now.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has declared an emergency health declaration for seven days. Houston City Council will vote in a week whether to extend declaration. All city events, produced, cosponsored and permitted, will be canceled for March and rescheduled in April. Harris County also declared a state of emergency.

During this time, here are the most important precautions to take:

• Wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

(more…)