General News

The tire drive scheduled for April 18, 2020 at the Rosenberg Annex has been cancelled until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering

Maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus.  CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Cloth face coverings should—

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?

Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.

How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?

A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.

How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?

Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.

Sew and No Sew Instructions

Sewn Cloth Face Covering

Materials

• Two 10”x6” rectangles of cotton fabric
• Two 6” pieces of elastic (or rubber bands, string, cloth strips, or hair ties)
• Needle and thread (or bobby pin)
• Scissors
• Sewing machine

Tutorial

1. Cut out two 10-by-6-inch rectangles of cotton fabric. Use tightly woven cotton, such as quilting fabric or cotton sheets. T-shirt fabric will work in a pinch. Stack the two rectangles; you will sew the mask as if it was a single piece of fabric.

2. Fold over the long sides ¼ inch and hem. Then fold the double layer of fabric over ½ inch along the short sides and stitch down.

3. Run a 6-inch length of 1/8-inch wide elastic through the wider hem on each side of the mask. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle or a bobby pin to thread it through. Tie the ends tight.
Don’t have elastic? Use hair ties or elastic head bands. If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the mask behind your head.

4. Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the mask on the elastic and adjust so the mask fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping.

Quick Cut T-shirt Face Covering (no sew method)

Materials

• T-shirt
• Scissors

Tutorial

Bandana Face Covering (no sew method)

Materials

• Bandana (or square cotton cloth approximately 20”x20”)
• Coffee filter
• Rubber bands (or hair ties)
• Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth)

Tutorial

Signed Amended Order [PDF]

WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020, a Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency was issued to allow Fort Bend County to take measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 and promote the health and safety of Fort Bend County residents; and

Whereas, on March 13, 2020, a Declaration of State of Disaster was issued by Governor Abbott to take additional steps to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to protect the health and welfare of Texans; and

Whereas, on March 16, 2020, President Donald Trump acknowledged the gravity of the COVID-19 pandemic, releasing strict new guidelines to limit people’s interactions, including that Americans should avoid groups of more than 10 people; and

Whereas, on March 17, 2020, the Fort Bend County Commissioners at a Special Meeting of Commissioners Court approved an extension of the Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency to March 24, 2020, and such was further extended by Order of Commissioners Court on March 24, 2020, and March 31, 2020; and

Whereas, due to the substantial risks to the public, certain establishments were ordered closed to implement the “All of Community” approach, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), focused on slowing the transmission of COVID-19 through social distancing to reduce illness and death, while minimizing social and economic impacts by Order of the County Judge of Fort Bend County, on March 17, 2020, and further amended on March 20, 2020; and

Whereas, due to the continued rapid spread of COVID-19, additional measures are necessary to protect the ability of the public and private health care providers to handle the influx of new patients, and safeguard public health and safety through the use of mandates to remain at home, except for certain essential activities and work to provide essential business and government services or perform essential business and public infrastructure.

NOW THEREFORE, I, COUNTY JUDGE OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED BY TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 418, HEREBY FIND AND ORDER:

SECTION 1. That the findings and recitations set out in the preamble to this Order are found to be true and correct and they are hereby adopted by the County Judge and made a part hereof for all purposes.

SECTION 2. That this Order shall be read to comply with Executive Order No. GA-14 signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on March 31, 2020 relating to statewide continuity of essential services and activities during the COVID-19 disaster, which supersedes any conflicting order issued by local officials in response to the COVID-19 disaster, but only to the extent such local order restricts Essential Services allowed by Executive Order No. GA-14 or allows gatherings prohibited by such.

SECTION 3. To minimize social gatherings and to minimize social in-person contact with people who are not in the same household to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, effective as of 12:01 a.m., April 2, 2020, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2020, unless a declaration of the local disaster for public health emergency is no longer in effect, and subject to the limited exceptions and under the terms and conditions more particularly set forth below:

• All individuals currently living within Fort Bend County shall, except where necessary to provide or obtain Essential Services or engage in Essential Activities, Stay Home and Work Safe at their residence; and
• For the purposes of this Order, residences include hotels, motels, mobile homes, shared rentals, and similar facilities; and
• All persons experiencing homelessness are strongly urged to obtain shelter and maintain Social Distancing of at least six feet and other measures in accordance with current CDC guidelines when without shelter; governmental and other entities are urged to make such shelter available as soon as possible and to the extent practicable.
• Individuals may leave their residences to:
• Provide or obtain those services considered as “Essential Services”by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce Version 2.0, attached hereto. Other services may be added to the list of Essential Services with the approval of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (“TDEM”) and reflected on an online list of all Essential Services maintained by TDEM.  Requests for additions should be directed to TDEM at EssentialServices@tdem.texas.gov or by visiting tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices; and
• In accordance with Executive Order GA-14, attend religious services in the event that religious services cannot be conducted from home or through remote services, authorized religious services shall be conducted in compliance with Executive Order GA-14 in a manner consistent with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC by practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation, and by implementing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and
• Provide or obtain services from businesses set forth in (J) below.
• This Order does not prohibit people from providing or obtaining Essential Services or engaging in daily Essential Activities, such as:
• Engaging in activities or performing tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members (for example, obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies need to work from home); and
• Obtaining necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or household members, or delivering those services or supplies to others (for example, food, pet supply, and any other household consumer products, and products) necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences; and
• Engaging in outdoor activity, (for example, walking, biking, hiking, or running). Individuals may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas. However, playgrounds may increase spread of COVID-19, and therefore shall be closed. While engaging in outdoor activities, individuals shall maintain Social Distancing of at least six feet from non-family members and adhere to current CDC guidelines; and
• Caring for a family member or domestic animal in another household.
• All public or private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited, except for performing or receiving religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship or as otherwise provided herein. Nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of members of a household or living unit. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they must at all times, maintain Social Distancing of at least six feet and other measures in accordance with current CDC guidelines when they are outside their residence; and
• All businesses operating within Fort Bend County, except for those providing Essential Services, are required to cease all activities at facilities located within the County. For clarity, all businesses may continue operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors providing services through remote telework from home unless they are Essential Services that cannot be provided through remote telework. Essential Services that cannot be conducted from home or through remote services should be conducted consistent with current Guidelines from the President and the CDC by practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation, and by implementing Social Distancing of at least six feet by both employees and the general public.
• Public access to Fort Bend County offices and facilities shall be limited to essential functions including but not limited to court obligations, making payments, and obtaining permits. Please contact the appropriate department or court for instructions or authorization to appear – https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-administration/human-resources/employees/directory.
• Any person with knowledge that they have tested positive for or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or anyone who shares a household with such person shall abide by any order or instruction provided to them by an authorized medical professional or a local health authority to quarantine themselves.
• Any restrictions on hours of delivery for transport to or from any entity involved in the selling or distribution of food products, medicine, or medical supplies in Fort Bend County shall hereby be suspended for the duration of this Order to facilitate timely and efficient delivery of necessary products during this critical time.
• When engaging in Essential Activities, individuals must comply with the necessary precautions to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including maintaining Social Distancing of at least six feet and any other measures prescribed by current CDC guidelines.
• For purposes of this Order, the following non-exclusive list of Essential Service providers shall not be required to cease all activities at facilities located within the County provided such establishments comply with the necessary precautions, subject to limitations of the design and layout of the establishment to conduct necessary transactions related the payment and distribution of services and goods to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including maintaining Social Distancing of at least six feet and any other measures prescribed by CDC guidelines to control the transmission of the COVID-19 virus:
• Essential Retail.
• Food service providers, including grocery stores, warehouse stores, big-box stores, bodegas, liquor stores, gas stations and convenience stores, farmers’ markets that sell food products and household staples. Food cultivation, including farming, fishing, and livestock; and
• Restaurants and other establishments that serve food located in hospitals, long-term medical care facilities, rehabilitation or medical facilities, child care facilities, group homes, crisis and homeless shelters, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, congregate care facilities, long term care facilities, jails and detention facilities; and
• Restaurants and other establishments that serve food not included in the preceding subsection, with or without drive-in or drive-through services limited to serving food and/or alcohol by take out, delivery, or drive-through services as allowed by law. However, such restaurants and other establishments are prohibited from serving food and/or alcohol for consumption on the premises; and
• Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers; and
• Auto sales, auto service departments, auto supply, auto repair, and bicycle repair, hardware stores, and related facilities; and
• Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home; and
• Hotels and other temporary residential facilities; and
• Firearm retailers.
• Professional Services. Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, insurance services, and “real estate services” when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities or to further Essential Services.  Professional “real estate services” shall include services provided by real estate brokers, agents, appraisers, inspectors, attorneys, mortgage lenders, escrow agents, title companies, and other settlement services.  “Open House” events are specifically prohibited.
• Essential Services Necessary to Maintain Essential Operations of Residences or Other Essential Service Providers.
• Plumbers, electricians, exterminators (pest control services), refrigeration and air conditioning and heating services, yard maintenance and landscaping services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operations of residences and other Essential Service providers; and
• Trash and recycling collection, processing and disposal, building cleaning, maintenance and security, warehouse/distribution and fulfillment, storage for residences and other Essential Service providers; and
• Services provided by caregivers and helpers who provide services to seniors and disabled individuals; and
• Mail and shipping services; and
• Funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries; and
• Veterinary care and all health and welfare services provided to animals; and
• Businesses that supply other Essential Service providers with support or supplies needed to operate, including employment agencies
• News Media. Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services.
• Childcare Services. Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees exempted in this Order to work as permitted.
• Transportation. Businesses providing vehicles for hire, including public transportation, ridesharing services, and taxicabs, that enable persons to travel to perform Essential Activities and to receive or obtain such goods and/or services from other Essential Service providers.
• Ranching and Farming Operations.
• In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms, massage establishments, tattoo studios, piercing studios, or cosmetology salons; provided however, that use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options for food and drinks is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the duration of this Order.

SECTION 5. Pursuant to Annex U, Section V. (A) (4) (a) of the Fort Bend County Emergency Operations Plan approved by Commissioners Court on January 15, 2019, and in accordance with Texas Government Code §418.173, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s Office, and other peace officers, as defined by Article 2.12 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, are hereby authorized to enforce this order, and the failure to comply with this Order is an offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or confinement in jail for a term of up to 180 days.

SECTION 6. Fort Bend County will post this Order on its website. In addition, the owner, manager, or operator of any facility that is likely to be impacted by this Order is strongly encouraged to post a copy of this Order onsite and to provide a copy to any member of the public asking for a copy. If any subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Order or any application of it to any person, structure, gathering, or circumstance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, then such decision will not affect the validity of this Order.

SECTION 7. This Order applies to all unincorporated and incorporated areas within the boundaries of Fort Bend County and shall be effective until 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2020, unless a declaration of the local disaster for public health emergency is no longer in effect.

 

ORDERED this the __________ day of April, 2020.

 

 

_______________________

KP George, County Judge

ATTEST:

 

_______________________

Laura Richard, County Clerk

 

An epidemiologic investigation has launched at Richmond State Supported Living Center (RSSLC) after a laboratory report identified two cases of COVID-19 at the facility.

The cases include two residents in their 60s, who are both currently hospitalized. To protect the privacy of the individuals, no additional identifying information will be released.

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services (FBC HHS) is working alongside RSSLC to identify potential contacts. Any individuals identified as having been exposed will be contacted directly by FBC HHS.

“The residents at the Richmond State Supported Living Center represent some of the most vulnerable members of our community.  We have received support from Texas Department of State Health Services in order to test and investigate all contacts to these cases.  Our staff is working alongside Richmond State Supported Living Center staff to implement additional infection prevention and control measures to protect the residents and staff,” stated Dr. Jacquelyn Minter.

“Keeping our residents and staff healthy and safe is our top priority. We are working closely with Fort Bend County Health & Human Services and the Texas Department of State Health Services and taking precautions to prevent spread of infection in the center and the community,” said Scott Schalchlin, HHS Associate Commissioner for State Supported Living Centers. “Visitor restrictions will remain in place at all state supported living centers and  we will continue to routinely screening staff, residents, and any essential visitor prior to entry on campus.”

On March 13th, Texas Health and Human Services suspended nonessential visitation and on-campus events at state supported living centers across the state. Everyone coming on campus since then has been screened and has had their temperature taken before being allowed to enter the facility.

FBC HHS will continue to monitor and investigate COVID-19 within Fort Bend County. Visit www.fbchealth.org/ncov for additional local information regarding COVID-19. For additional information from Texas Health and Human Services, please visit www.hhs.texas.gov. 

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Fort Bend County and AccessHealth have collaborated to open the first county-supported COVID-19 testing site and online screening tool.

Those in our community who are experiencing symptoms and want testing must utilize an online screening tool, developed by Houston-based Health Tech company, Luminare, to access medical screening which will, in turn, determine their eligibility for testing. Fort Bend County and AccessHealth will deploy QuickScreen on the internet via www.fbchealth.org.

There is no cost to those who need testing, but access to testing will only be granted after completion of the online screening and the medical screening. After screening is complete, people receive a unique testing code that will be required at the testing site.

Initial testing efforts will focus on those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 include:

• Healthcare professionals and first responders
• People aged 60 years and older

• • People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
  • People with other high-risk conditions such as but not limited to:
    • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
    • People who have serious heart conditions
    • People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment
    • People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease, pregnant women

“Fort Bend County is committed to increasing the level of testing for our residents. In this light, I am proud to announce that we have collaborated with AccessHealth, our longtime community partner, to bring a free COVID-19 testing site to Fort Bend County,” said Fort Bend County Judge and Director of the Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, KP George. “If you are seeking to be tested, it is critical you follow the policies and procedures to ensure a smooth process for everyone involved.”

The testing site will operate as long as there are supplies readily available.

Dr. Jacquelyn Minter, Local Health Authority and Director of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services, “AccessHealth will administer the testing and will provide the administrative and medical staff, along with the laboratory needed for this operation while Fort Bend County provides the infrastructure, security, personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies. This collaboration is an extension of our existing partnership, and we could not be more thankful.”

“AccessHealth is prepared and ready to expand our long-standing partnership with Fort Bend County Health and Human Services to include COVID-19 screening and testing,” said AccessHealth CEO, Mike Dotson. “Our staff are positioned to assist residents, many of whom are eager to get screened for COVID-19. If that’s you, we ask that you follow the process that starts with online screening or phone screening for those who don’t have online access, and you’ll be directed from there. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We’re obliged for the opportunity to serve the Fort Bend community in this capacity.”

Luminare, supported by Microsoft for Startups, has the goal of empowering individuals to understand if they are at risk for COVID-19 and to seek medical attention accordingly so exposure to the community can be limited. In addition, the COVID-19 self-assessment platform will help decrease potential exposure to healthcare workers, avoid emergency room overcrowding, and allow efficient communication between the health department and the population at large. “We’ve had 70,000 people to date use our self-assessment platform as a funnel towards testing for COVID on site. As we roll expand coverage areas soon we will be able to predict where a surge in-hospital is expected to happen weeks prior to it happening”, said Luminare CEO & Co-founder Sarma Velamuri.

Fort Bend County residents may choose any of the sites for screening, as Harris County and Houston sites are still open to Fort Bend County residents.

A virtual press conference is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on: www.facebook.com/judgekpgeorge/

To learn more about Luminare, visit  www.Luminaremed.com or email info@luminaremed.com.

Parties interested in obtaining access to the software platform should contact covid19@luminaremed.com.

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services is announcing the first COVID-19 related death in Fort Bend County.

The resident was a woman in her 70s with significant pre-existing medical conditions. She was hospitalized briefly prior to passing away and her physicians agree that COVID-19 was a contributory factor in her death. She died at a local hospital late Wednesday, March 25. The department received test results today confirming the woman as a COVID-19 case.

“The hearts and prayers of Fort Bend County are with the patient’s family in these trying times,” said KP George, Fort Bend County Judge and Director of Homeland Security & Emergency Management. “As a community, we must come together to follow the CDC Guidelines and the Fort Bend County ‘Stay Home to Save Lives’ Order to slow the spread of this unprecedented global pandemic.”

COVID-19 has been identified in our communities, and likely above the number of cases we already know.  Most people infected by the virus suffer mild to moderate symptoms and fully recover.

“This is a tragic and sad outcome for this family and our community.  Today we face a historic public health event affecting not only Fort Bend County but communities around the globe,” said Dr. Jacquelyn Minter, Local Health Authority and Director of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services.  “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the patient’s family and friends.”

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services continues to work closely with the local and regional partners, Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, as the coronavirus situation continues to evolve. It is critical that individuals and organizations take action to slow the spread of the virus following all applicable guidance. We all need to take precautions to protect the most vulnerable populations within our communities and slow this disease.

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services urges the public to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.
• Maintain at least 6 feet of separation from other people.
• Use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
• Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
• Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical care situations.
• Practice healthy hygiene habits:
  1. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands.
  2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  3. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, use the elbow of your sleeve.
  4. Don’t use your hands to cover coughs and sneezes.
  5. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially if you are at higher risk for coronavirus.
• Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.
• Take care of your mental wellbeing during the outbreak of COVID-19. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Things you can do to support yourself:

• 1. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  2. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  3. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  4. Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
  5. If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call
     • Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
     • People with deafness or hearing loss can use their preferred relay service to call 1-800-985-5990.
• Reach out to your family, friends, or neighbors that may be vulnerable, while maintaining social distance. Leave a note under their door to brighten their day or ask them if they need any groceries, medications, or supplies picked up.
• Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.

Privacy protection laws only permit the release of limited patient information. The health department is unable to release any additional patient information.

Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@FortBendHealth) and check our website for regular updates (www.fbchealth.org/ncov)

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