Phase 1

• May 1st: All retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, malls, libraries, and museums will be allowed to open up at 25% capacity
• If a business owner feels unsafe to re-open, they don’t have to
• All licensed professionals: doctors, nurses, dentists, etc. are allowed to work
• May 8th: Hair Salons and barbershops can re-open
• Must maintain 6-foot separation between clients and masks for customers and stylists
• Abbott clarified this part of his previous executive order, extending it to funerals, memorials, burials and weddings.
• Gym can open May 18 at 25% capacity

Phase 2

• Childcare services can reopen immediately
• Summer camps can open this summer
• Little leagues can start practicing May 31st
• Professional sports without fans can reopen May 31st

Starting Friday May 22

• Bars, wineries, breweries can reopen at 25% capacity
• Restaurants up to 50% capacity

Starting May 26

• Driving schools can open at 25% of total listed occupancy
• Driving schools must ensure at least 6 feet social distancing between students and instructors except when
  receiving in-car instructions or if participating in a DPS road test.

Starting May 29

• Indoor waterparks may operate up to 25% of the total listed occupancy of the indoor
  waterpark facility and outdoor waterparks may operate up to 25% of the normal operating limits as
  determined by the waterpark operator. Waterpark operators must close any components of the waterpark
  that have interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, amusement, and video game areas.

Phase 3

Effective June 3:

• All businesses currently operating at 25% capacity can expand their occupancy to 50% with certain exceptions.
• Bars and similar establishments may increase their capacity to 50% as long as patrons are seated.
• Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with less than 1,000 confirmed positive cases may open at 50% capacity.
• Restaurants may expand their maximum table size from 6 to 10 persons.

Effective June 12:

• Restaurants may expand their occupancy levels to 75%.

Effective June 19:

• Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with more than 1,000 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 may open at 50% capacity.

For a full list of re-openings, click here!

What Are The Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

(source: who.int)

For more information, click here.

A Stay Home – Work Safe order has been issued for Harris County.

The Stay Home Work Safe order has been extended to April 30

Check readyharris.org for the latest updates

According to the federal government’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency guidelines, there are 16 sectors considered essential:

• Communications
• Chemical
• Critical Manufacturing
• Commercial Facilities
• Dams
• Defense Industrial Base
• Emergency Services
• Energy
• Financial
• Food & Agriculture
• Government Facilities
• Healthcare & Public Health
• Information Technology
• Nuclear Reactors, Materials and Waste
• Transportation Systems
• Water

(source: abc13)

Social Distancing

• Wash your hands often
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as keyboards, doorknobs, light switches and sinks

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

For more info, click here.

(source: cdc.gov) 

Protection measures for everyone
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
  Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
• Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
  Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
  Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
• Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places  – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
  Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.

(source: who.int)

• Baptism of infants: The celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism is to be postponed, unless there is danger or death.
• Weddings: Limited to celebration of the Marriage Rite outside of Mass itself, with no more than 10 people in attendance, including ministers.
• Funerals: May only take place in the form of “The Rite of Committal with Final Commendation.” A memorial Mass can be rescheduled.
• Holy Week: Particular directives will be given for Holy Week in the event the crisis continues through that time period.
• Holy Water Fronts: Drain and clean all Holly Water fonts and do not refill at this time.
• Reconciliation/Confession: To be made available where possible. Penance services are cancelled.
• Anointing of the Sick: Priest are to attend the needs of the sick.

Harris County Jury Duty
As of March 17, all jury calls have been suspended through Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Jurors who received a summons through March 31 do not need to appear and do not have to reschedule their service. Jurors summoned for Justice of the Peace Court will need to call their Court for the most updated information. Jurors currently serving on a trial still need to appear.

Houston Art Car Parade
This year’s Art Car Parade, which was scheduled to kick off Saturday, April 16, has been canceled, according to the parade’s website.

Houston Rooftop Cinema Club
The popular rooftop cinema club decided to postpone its season’s launch due to COVID-19. According to their statement, the rooftops will not open until May 1, but that could change.

You can follow their updates on the site.

Memorial City Mall
Memorial City is closing its ice skating rink, Frolic’s Castle, the Venetian Carousel, and all common areas events through May 10. The mall has also modified its hours: Monday through Saturday, they will open 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While the mall remains open, some of the retail stores have decided to temporarily close. You can view the full list of stores closed on their website.

Hobby Center
As a response to the CDC limiting group gatherings of 50 or more people, the Hobby Center will close Sarofim Hall and Zilkha Hall from March 17 to April. The performing arts center staff is working to reschedule all performances.

You can find more information on tickets and performances rescheduled on their website.

River Oaks Theatre
River Oaks is temporarily closed.

“The decision allows our staff to remain at home during this critical time. We will be constantly reevaluating the best way forward at all of our locations.”

Sam’s Club
Starting Tuesday, March 17, Sam’s Club are shifting to new store hours. The new hours will be from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. The reason for new hours is to ensure that associates have enough time to restock, and to clean and sanitize each store. Their Sunday hours will remain 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Pre-scheduled pick-up orders will be available starting at 7 a.m.

Asia Society Texas Center
The building, exhibitions and Pondi Cafe will close until further notice. The remaining public programs and events in March and April have also either been canceled or postponed.

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston
The museum will temporarily close starting Monday, March 16 at 5 p.m.

Children’s Museum of Houston
The museum announced on Monday that it will temporarily close until the end of March. Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center will also close.

All community outreach programs and private events scheduled at the museums will no longer occur

Minefaire
The Minefaire event scheduled for April 18 – 19 in Houston will be postponed. Minefaire and NRG Center are working to choose a new date for the fall. The tickets purchased will be valid for the new date

Nutcracker Market
In efforts to keep shoppers, merchants, sponsors, committee members, etc. safe and healthy, it was announced on Monday that the Nutcracker Market set for April 17-19 at the NRG Center has been canceled.

For those who purchased tickets, here are some options you can take to get a refund or make a donation.

Email nutcrackermarket@houstonballet.org by June 30 with your decision.

Request a full refund to the original form of payment

Donate your payment to Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market

If you purchased an early bird ticket of $30, you can transfer that amount toward an early bird ticket of $50 for the Nutcracker Market 40th Anniversary, which will take place November 12 – 15 at NRG Center. You will be charged the additional $20 to your original payment

If you purchased a general admission ticket from H-E-B, you can request a refund at that same location yo u made the purchase

City of Houston trials and jury duty
Officials released a statement Sunday, saying: In an effort to continue to encourage the health and safety of the public and court staff members from the spread of the COVID-19, the City of Houston Municipal Courts Department has suspended all Jury Trials and Jury Duty during the period of Monday, March 16, 2020 through Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Houston Public Libraries
Mayor Sylvester Turner confirms all Houston public libraries will be closed until March 18 of efforts to maintain social distancing.

Space Center Houston
The Space Center released a statement saying the will close Saturday, March 14, at 6:00 p.m., and remain closed through March 27.

It ensured that there have been no cases of exposure at the center. The statement partially read: As Houston’s leading science and space exploration learning center and trusted community space, we are acting in an abundance of caution with the health and safety of our guests, staff and volunteers as our top priority and responsibility.

IRONMAN races
In emails sent to participants, organizers of the 2020 Memorial Hermann IRONMAN 70.3 Texas triathlon, which was set for April 5, and the 2020 IRONMAN Texas triathlon, which was scheduled for April 25, canceled the events.

Houston Grand Opera
On March 13, HGO announced the cancellation of all performances of “Salome” and “The Magic Flute,” as well as all associated events. All ticketholders will be contacted in the coming days, HGO said.

Houston Latino Film Festival
It is with deep disappointment that we must announce that the Houston Latino Film Festival to be held March 19-22 has been postponed due to increasing local and global concerns of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Houston Latino Film Festival is dedicated to giving all attendees an enjoyable experience, and the health and safety of all our guests, patrons and volunteers is top priority. With the recent emergency health declaration for the city of Houston and surrounding areas, we have determined it is in the best interest of the Houston Latino Film Festival and its attendees to postpone until late 2020.

All tickets and badges purchased for this year’s Houston Latino Film Festival will still be honored for admission to the festival as rescheduled later in the year.

Announcement of new dates for 2020 Houston Latino Film Festival will be made online at houstonlatinofilmfestival.org and the HLFF Facebook page

Houston Zoo
The zoo released a statement saying that it will close at 7 p.m. and remain closed until April 3.

It reads, in part:
The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals to inspire action to save wildlife. We recognize that visiting the Zoo is much more than experiencing wildlife up close, but is also an opportunity to enjoy the wonder of the natural world with family and friends. We have been closely monitoring the constantly evolving situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and we feel it is our responsibility to do what we can to help reduce the rapid spread of COVID-19.

The Houston Bar Association canceled all of its scheduled Friday and Saturday veterans legal clinics held at DeBakey VA Medical Center and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics until further notice.

• Hangout Fest has been canceled
• Bayou City Half Marathon Series: Vintage Park Half Marathon
• Comicpalooza (will return 5/21-5/23/2021)
• Harris County District Courts have suspended jury service from Friday, March 13 to Friday, March 20. Jurors who have received a summons for these dates do not need appear and do not need to reschedule.
• Houston Ballet has decided to cancel this month’s performances of Forged in Houston and move the dates to May 21-31.
• The Alley Theatre has canceled all performances, events, camps and classes through March 31. All scheduled events after March 31 are expected to take place as planned.
• The McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival.
• Annual CERAWeek conference
• RodeoHouston
• Greater Houston Partnership cancelling all events through April
• SXSW festival
• Tour de Houston (rescheduled)
• 18th Annual Run for the Rose reschedule for October 18
• Bayou City Classic
• Fans will not be allowed to attend any March Madness games
• All events have been cancelled at Discovery Green through April 1, but The Roller Rink, The Lake House and The Grove will stay open.
• The Bayou City Art Festival scheduled for March 27-29 in Memorial Park has been postponed.
• Lakewood Church canceled public services for Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15. Services will be streamed on the church’s Facebook page, YouTube and online at LakewoodChurch.com.
• The University of Houston has canceled its Frontier Fiesta 2020 due to COVID-19 and emergency health declaration
  All Buffalo Bayou Partnership events and programs beginning March 12 until April 1
• Project Row Houses canceled the opening event and market for Round 51:Local Impact II on Saturday, March 14; Expected to resume Wednesday, March 18, 2020 from 12-5 p.m.
• Tomball German Festival
• Grand Slam/Astros Fun at Bat for Youth Baseball events scheduled for March 12 – 31
• H-Town Soccer for Success Academy Monday scheduled for March 12 – 31
• Youth Soccer Tournament/Soccer for Success Tournament at Mason Park scheduled for March 14 – 15
• Hands Percussion Malaysia on March 20 and Noche Caliente with Ismael Miranda on March 21 at Miller Outdoor Theater will be postponed
• Mandala Earth Flow at Emancipation Park on March 28
• Heights Kids’ Day of Music at Love Park on March 28
• Trash Bash at various locations on March 28
• Children’s Festival at Sam Houston Park from April 4 – 5
• Japan Festival Houston at Hermann Park, from May 2 – 3 is postponed potentially to the fall
• The Montgomery County Fair has been canceled
• Rock the Row free concert series in Hughes Landing in The Woodlands, originally scheduled for March 19, March 26 and April 2, will resume in the summer with dates to be announced.
• Friday Night Bites in Bridgeland, originally scheduled for March 13, is currently expected to resume on April 3.
• Founders Club Tree Dedication Ceremonies and House Concerts in Bridgeland and The Woodlands Hills, previously scheduled for March 27 and March 28 respectively, will be rescheduled for April 24 and 25.
• Houston Parks and Recreation Department produced and co-sponsored events in the month of March
• Cirque du Soleil’s ALEGRIA show beginning Thursday, March 12 until April 12.
• The Hobby Center’s Paw Patrol Live show postponed until further notice.
• Stages Theatre canceled performances through Sunday, March 22.

(source: abc13.com)