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Child under 10 years old is Houston’s youngest confirmed COVID death

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Child under 10 years old is Houston’s youngest confirmed COVID death

Houston city officials announced on Wednesday that the death of a little girl this past October is the city’s youngest confirmed pediatric COVID-19 death on record.

According to the city, the child was under the age of 10, Black, and had underlying health conditions. Genomic sequencing did not identify the variant of the virus that infected her.

Other information about the child was not made available due to privacy laws, the city said.

However, with identifying the distinction of the girl’s death, the city said it is trying to drive home that the coronavirus, especially amid the highly-contagious omicron variant, can lead to serious illnesses among children.

“While most children who get COVID-19 recover, this tragedy is an example of how our youngest can get seriously ill and lose their lives to this disease,” said Dr. David Persse, chief medical officer for the City of Houston. “Children who have underlying conditions are especially vulnerable to poor outcomes from COVID-19, especially when it comes to the possibility of co-infection with other respiratory illnesses.”

The city already counted that seven COVID-19 deaths in Houston were among people ages 10 to 19 years old. Through Wednesday, the city has counted 3,978 confirmed COVID-19 deaths over the course of the pandemic.
The city is also sending a reminder about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, adding that nearly all coronavirus deaths in the state are among those who were not fully vaccinated.

People ages 5 and up are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine while people ages 18 and up are eligible for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Booster shots are available to people ages 12 and up.

The city did not disclose whether the child was vaccinated at the time of her death.

Source: abc13

Upcoming January Events at MECA

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Upcoming January Events at MECA

 
Friday, January 14, 2022
Introductory Tango Class | 6PM – 7PM
Tailored for absolute beginners and those wanting to perfect their social dance skill.
Chacarera Class | 7PM – 8PM
Chacerera is a traditional Argentine partner dance often enjoyed at milongas today.
Milonga Del Arrabal | 8PM – 11PM
With DJ Phyllis! everages for sale.
MECA @ TBH Center
333 S Jensen Dr, Houston, TX 77003
Coming Soon
Friday, January 21, 2022 | 8PM | MECA @ TBH Center
333 S Jensen Dr, Houston, TX 77003
Loop38 is excited to present a concert of works showcasing the variety and diversity of “American Landscapes.” The landscapes of the Americas are spanned by rich cultural latitudes and a broad palette of historical stories and voices.
In its exploration of these voices, Loop38 is presenting music by composers from Massachusetts, Ontario, Washington D.C., Missouri, and Rio de Janeiro.
MECA’s work to provide year-round, high quality arts education, social services and vigorous academic support is made possible by generous contributions from the following donors:

Houston Health Department confirms city’s youngest COVID-19 death

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Houston Health Department confirms city’s youngest COVID-19 death

A girl under ten is the city’s youngest confirmed pediatric COVID-19 death, the Houston Health Department announced Wednesday.

The child, who is Black and had underlying health conditions, died in mid-October at a Houston hospital. Genomic sequencing did not identify the variant of virus that infected her.

Privacy laws prevent the health department from providing any other identifiable information.

“The death of a child under any circumstance is heartbreaking. On behalf of the City of Houston, I extend my condolences to the girl’s family during this unimaginable time of grief,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This tragic COVID-19 related death serves as a reminder that we must get vaccinated, mask up, and get tested to protect our community during the Omicron surge, especially children too young to get vaccinated.”

As of January 12, 2022, there are 3,978 confirmed COVID-19 deaths of Houstonians. One was under the age of ten, seven (0.18%) were between 10 and 19, 1.2% were in their 20s, 3.5% were in their 30s, 8.3% in their 40s, 16.1% in their 50s, 24.2% in their 60s, 21.9% in their 70, and 24.7% were 80 and older.

Getting vaccinated helps prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. Since the COVID-19 vaccination began, nearly all Texas COVID-19 deaths are among people who are not fully vaccinated.

People ages 5 and up are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine while people ages 18 and up are eligible for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Booster shots are available to people ages 12 and up.

With the very contagious Omicron variant rapidly spreading, the health department urges everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a face-covering in public indoor places and crowded outdoor settings.

“While most children who get COVID-19 recover, this tragedy is an example of how our youngest can get seriously ill and lose their lives to this disease,” said Dr. David Persse, chief medical officer for the City of Houston. “Children who have underlying conditions are especially vulnerable to poor outcomes from COVID-19, especially when it comes to the possibility of co-infection with other respiratory illnesses.”

Getting vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 at health department-affiliated sites is free and does not require proof of residency, citizenship, or insurance.

The health department provides dozens of free COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites across the city. Sites and schedules can be found at houstonhealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.

City of Houston Awarded $150,000 Grant from the National League of Cities to Promote Equitable Career Opportunities for Youth

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City of Houston Awarded $150,000 Grant from the National League of Cities to Promote Equitable Career Opportunities for Youth

 
The City of Houston has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the National League of Cities (NLC), as part of a new initiative to make the true economic opportunity a reality for youth and young adults who are marginalized from quality education and career opportunities. In addition to the monetary award, Houston joins the five other cities from across the nation who will also receive specialized assistance from NLC’s staff and other national experts to advance the city’s efforts to expand STEM career pathways for marginalized young people.

“This award is a big win for young people. They will benefit from significant career development opportunities made possible by this grant,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “These are children who would otherwise go without, now having experiences and connections they never thought possible. I commend the National League of Cities for their continued commitment to the future leaders of this country.”

With the grant money, the Mayor’s Office of Education looks forward to targeted support of the Hire Houston Youth (HHY) program by connecting diverse opportunity youth to the unique STEM and technology-focused workforce development. The program connects these students to job opportunities in the Houston market as well as the employer partners for whom we custom design employment and youth empowerment programs.

Since its inception in 2016, Hire Houston Youth has touched the lives of over 30,000 young Houstonians by linking them to job and internship opportunities. To date, HHY has worked with 102 corporate & non-profit partners to facilitate job opportunities for Houston youth to advance their skills, explore career interests, and empower themselves financially. If you are youth 16-24 years old or an employer willing to participate, please visit Hire Houston Youth.

“Our youth deserve educational opportunities that connect them to the local workforce and career exploration, so they can make informed choices about their future career path in Houston’s dynamic economy. Houston youth will only further the amazing things they will accomplish, thanks to this grant,” said Olivera Jankovska, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Education.

Marginalized youth and young adults are disproportionately represented among industries hardest hit by the pandemic, such as healthcare, hospitality, service, childcare, and agriculture. These young people, who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), are low income, or are disconnected from school and/or the workforce have limited access to quality educational and career experiences.

Students graduating from high school in 2020 and 2021 face particularly unique and long-term risks. Since the Great Recession, nearly 95 percent of all new jobs have gone to workers with at least some college education; yet, as a result of the pandemic, the likelihood of youth pursuing a four-year degree decreased 23 percent between May 2020 and September 2021 – down to 48 percent from 71 percent.

“Educational attainment is directly linked to a city’s economic vitality and well-being, and there is a great opportunity for municipal leaders to help youth link their education to meaningful careers,” said Dr. Robert Blaine, Senior Executive and Director, Institute for Youth, Education and Families. “The National League of Cities is proud to work with the City of Houston to develop new career opportunities and supports for marginalized young people in Houston.”

Houston experiencing shortages of over-the-counter medications

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Houston experiencing shortages of over-the-counter medications

There’s a variety of supplies out of stock in stores across the country, and now that cold and flu season is upon us, it’s adding to the shipping and manufacturing headaches with over-the-counter medications.

At a CVS in southeast Houston, cold and flu meds are sparse.

At a Walgreens in Missouri City, there were holes where some sinus meds are typically stocked.

At a Target in Stafford, they’re limiting how much Pepcid customers can buy.

Plus, no surprise everywhere, due to high demand, no COVID rapid tests were anywhere to be found.

What’s driving this shortage of over-the-counter drugs?

Walgreens said there’s “Greater demand for cough, cold and flu products nationwide, and as a result, Walgreens has worked diligently with our suppliers to ensure we have enough supply to cover customer demand.”

CVS said shortages are all temporary and they “are working with our suppliers to ensure continued access.”

You can try to go online but forget fast shipping. Most orders are taking weeks to arrive.

At small businesses like Quail Valley Pharmacy in Missouri City, they’re feeling the impact of shortages with prescription drugs.

According to the FDA, some very common ones may experience shortages like Albuterol, epinephrine, insulin, and some saline.

“Sometimes it’s hard to get our patients to understand that, but hopefully, this is something that not only the FDA but the various drug companies are working on to get us through,” said the registered pharmacist, Vanese Berry.

Her advice is to try and plan ahead.

“Be a little bit more proactive in, you know, calling your pharmacy, getting your medication refilled, and having that extra supply (if you can) on hand so that you don’t experience that lapse,” Berry said. She also added that backorders on medication to her pharmacy typically take about 30 days.

Source: click2houston

German president calls for debate over COVID vaccine mandate

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German president calls for debate over COVID vaccine mandate

Germany’s president called Wednesday for a thorough debate over plans for compulsory coronavirus vaccinations for all adults in the country, saying such a drastic measure needs to be fully justified.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has backed calls for a vaccine mandate and lawmakers are expected to begin debating a bill later this month. Polls show a majority of people in Germany back compulsory vaccination against COVID-19, but a vocal minority opposes the idea.

“I, for one, consider it necessary and will actively campaign for it,” Scholz told lawmakers in parliament in Berlin, adding that not getting vaccinated was not a personal decision since it has consequences for the entire society.

“There’s no decision you make just for yourself, and that’s why mandatory vaccination is also important,” he added.

At a roundtable debate with citizens on the issue, however, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said “the exceptional situation of a pandemic increases the pressure for the state to act, but it doesn’t replace the requirement to weigh up arguments and balance interests.”

“A vaccine mandate means a debate mandate,” he added.

Steinmeier, whose role is largely ceremonial, said he wouldn’t take sides in the debate but urged those involved to have “respect for other positions, but also respect for facts and reason, that must be and remain our common currency.”

He dismissed as “complete nonsense claims that the coronavirus pandemic has turned Germany into a dictatorship.”

“Among friends, at work, in schools, in daycare centers, in clinics and nursing homes, in city halls, health offices and parliaments, people everywhere are trying to figure out together what needs to be done” to fight the pandemic, Steinmeier said. “And that’s exactly what this democratic struggle is about.”

Among the people debating was a nurse from Cologne and the head of a nursing home in Berlin, who both stressed how essential it is to be vaccinated so that especially the most vulnerable of society — those who are ill and old — can be protected from the virus.

A professor for health communication pointed out that a lot of the people who refuse to get vaccinated are simply afraid of the vaccines. Cornelia Betsch criticized authorities for initially missing many opportunities to better explain how safe and important vaccines are.

“Many people are simply afraid of getting vaccinated and a mandate can create counter feelings,” she said, encouraging efforts to reach out to talk to those who are hesitant about vaccinations.

Around 72.2% of Germans are considered fully vaccinated, while at least 44.2 % have received an additional booster shot.

Germany’s disease control agency reported 80,430 new cases of COVID-19 in one day, a pandemic record, and 384 additional deaths.

Among those who oppose a vaccine, mandate are some members of the Free Democrats, who are part of Germany’s ruling coalition, and Germany’s former health minister, who pledged last summer not to introduce a general vaccine mandate. Political leaders have agreed to let lawmakers vote according to their own conscience on the issue.

The looming mandate has been a rallying point for vocal anti-vaccine activists. Some recent demonstrations have turned violent in Germany, with protesters attacking police officers after being ordered to disperse.

In neighboring Austria, the authorities on Wednesday ramped up the pressure on unvaccinated people by increasing spot controls in popular public places and shops. On Tuesday, police in Vienna alone checked people’s vaccination status 5,100 times and made sure people were wearing masks outside if social distancing could not be observed.

Source: click2houston

50 Years of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta

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50 Years of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta

Houston’s Longstanding Tradition Continues
From the Reeking Regatta to the present-day Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta, Texas’s largest canoe and kayak race is still going strong.

“The Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta is truly a rite of spring in our city,” said Anne Olson, Buffalo Bayou Partnership President. “As one of our organization’s signature events, it brings people to the bayou, not just to paddle, but to watch the race and take part in the event’s after party. It also provides much-needed support for BBP’s many projects and initiatives.”
WHAT
The Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta presented by Gillman Subaru turns 50 on Saturday, March 5! Paddlers have the chance to make history as the largest canoe and kayak race in Texas observes this milestone year. Participants, ages 12 and up, are invited to race along a 15-mile-long stretch of Buffalo Bayou in support of the transformation and revitalization of this historic Houston waterway.

Spectators are invited to cheer at the starting point and along the race route. At the finish line at Allen’s Landing, there will be hundreds of colorful canoes and kayaks, music, fun and activities from local businesses and sponsors. See photos from last year’s event here.

WHEN
Saturday, March 5, 2022
7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

WHERE
Starting Line: 7700 San Felipe St. (Just west of Voss)
Finish Line: Allen’s Landing, 1019 Commerce St.

REGISTRATION
$50 per paddler
$55 per paddler on/after February 19
$60 per paddler day-of registration
Discounts are available for BBP Members, military, and student ID holders.

MORE INFORMATION
The Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta is rain or shine. If a cancellation takes place due to severe weather or water conditions, all entry fees will be considered a tax-deductible donation to Buffalo Bayou Partnership and used in our efforts to continue restoring the bayou.

Trophies will be awarded to the top three winners in Teams, Recreational Canoe, Recreational Kayak, and Unlimited Divisions. For more information about canoe and kayak divisions, please visit www.buffalobayou.org or contact Trudi Smith at tsmith@buffalobayou.org.

Team sponsors are welcome to join the festivities and compete for the coveted team cup! For more information about sponsorship, contact Leigh McBurnett at lmcburnett@buffalobayou.org.
About Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Established in 1986, Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is the non-profit transforming and revitalizing Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s most significant natural resource. The organization’s geographic focus is the 10-square mile stretch of the bayou that flows from Shepherd Drive, through the heart of downtown into the East End, and onto the Port of Houston Turning Basin. BBP creates and cares for inclusive public spaces such as Buffalo Bayou Park, constructs hike and bike trails, and removes trash from the waterway. Buffalo Bayou Partnership also activates the bayou through unique programs, public art, volunteer events and recreational opportunities that enrich the quality of life in Houston.

Governor Abbott Appoints Three to Governor’s Broadband Development Council

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Governor Abbott Appoints Three to Governor’s Broadband Development Council
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Schelana Hock, Jack Kelanic, and Ray Scifres to the Governor’s Broadband Development Council for terms set to expire on August 31, 2026. The council was created by the 86th Legislature in 2019 and expanded by the 87th Legislature in 2021. The council studies and identifies ways to provide internet access to underserved areas of Texas.

Schelana Hock of Moscow is the County Clerk of Polk County where she serves as the official record-keeper of the county. Hock previously served as the Telecommunications Operator for the Corrigan Police Department and as the Deputy Clerk, Data Entry Clerk, and Chief Deputy of Polk County. She volunteers as a food server with the Multi-Cultural Festival and as a telephone operator with the Polk County Emergency Management Disaster telecommunications division. Hock is pursuing a degree in Integrated Studies from Sam Houston State University.

Jack Kelanic of Dallas is the Chief Technology Officer for the Dallas Independent School District where he creates a technology plan to maximize digital learning. Additionally, he directs the district’s $270 million technology capital program. He previously worked as the Director of Information Technology for the City of Tacoma, the Chief Information Systems Director at Los Angeles Unified School District, and as an engineer at Dewberry and Davis. He is co-chair of the Internet for All Coalition and a member of the Texas Education Technology Leadership Council and Consortium for School Networking. He previously served as an advisory board member of The University of Washington Tacoma Institute of Technology and a board member of the Schools Federal Credit Union. Kelanic received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Vanderbilt University.

Ray Scifres of Levelland is the Sheriff of Hockley County. Additionally, he serves as an Adjunct Instructor of Law Enforcement at South Plains College. He is currently a director of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas, Committee Vice-Chair of the South Plains College Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, and a member and former board member of the Texas Jail Association. Scifres received a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences and Master of Science from Lamar University and is pursuing a Doctor of Management from Wayland Baptist University.

Source: gov.texas

Conroe church searching for answers after nearly 2 dozen bullet holes discovered in church

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Conroe church searching for answers after nearly 2 dozen bullet holes discovered in church
Conroe Police Department is investigating after several bullet holes were found on the backside of the Hopewell Community Chuch this past weekend.

According to investigators, police responded to reports of a shooting after a church representative found bullet holes on the backside of the church building.

Conroe police said they believe the church wasn’t the initial target, but believe the shots came from a neighboring property on Jan. 7 and 8.

The shooting is being investigated.

Anyone with information related to these incidents is urged to contact the Conroe Police Department at 936-522-3200.

Source: click2houston

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo raises COVID-19 threat level to red

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Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo raises COVID-19 threat level to red

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced on Monday that she raised the county’s COVID-19 threat level to red, the highest level.

The county judge cited a rising number of hospitalizations, with the 14-day average for positive ICU cases reaching 18.1% and the positivity rate is at 35%.

Level 1 indicates a severe and uncontrolled threat to COVID-19 and urges residents to stay home except for essential needs such as going to the grocery store to buy food or medicine, according to Harris County Public Health.

The county had raised the threat level from yellow to orange on Dec. 20.

In a news conference Monday, Hidalgo, was joined by Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Spring Independent School District Chief of Police Ken Culbreath, and Dr. Ericka Brown, of Harris County Public Health.

“I wish I were here to report better circumstances, but unfortunately today we find ourselves yet again crossing a threshold we don’t want to cross because of the omicron variant,” Hidalgo said. “In other words, we are in the midst of another COVID-19 tsunami. And this time, it truly is a tsunami when it comes to those cases. It’s like nothing we’ve seen before in this pandemic.”

Hidalgo added she also worked with Commissioner Ellis and Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia to deliver 111,000 tests to school districts across Harris County.

In addition, Harris County Public Health will partner with Spring ISD to open a testing site at Planet Ford Stadium Spring on Tuesday. The site will offer 300 PCR tests each day and will open for the next two weeks.

Residents can sign up for an appointment beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday.

Hidalgo said she hopes this time is the last the county reaches red.

“We can make this the last time this happens but for right now, for the sake of our hospitals and for the sake of our workforce, we have to sound the alarm once again,” she said.

Source: click2houston

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