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Essential workers want to be included in states Phase 1C vaccine list

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Essential workers want to be included in states Phase 1C vaccine list
It’s been a year since the coronavirus outbreak was declared a global pandemic.

Several employees like bus drivers and restaurant workers are wondering when they will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

The Dish Society restaurant said they were deemed essential a year ago and they should be included in Phase 1C.

The restaurant is working on moving into a new location that is bigger and has more space for customers. The CEO said his staff wants to feel safe and protected in their work environment.

“It’s been tough. It’s been a roller coaster. Feels like every day or every week is a new challenge,” said Aaron Lyons, founder, and CEO of the Dish Society.

Even though the mask mandate is lifted and there are no restrictions on capacity limits, the restaurant is operating at 75%.

“We are still requiring our staff to wear masks, and we are still asking that the guests that come in the respect that and they wear masks as well,” Lyons said.

Lyons has around 200 employees and says less than 10 are fully vaccinated.

Earlier this week, the state opened Phase 1C, allowing people 50 years and older to get the vaccine.

But the CDC has different recommendations for Phase 1C that includes:

  • People 65 to 74 years old
  • People 16 to 64 years old with underlying medical conditions
  • Other essential workers, including transportation or food service workers, information technology, energy, law, media, or public safety employees

Lyons says the state should consider expanding Phase 1C.

“And not just restaurants, but retails and public transportation people that have to put their selves on the line every day and risk the exposure every day,” he said.

The President of the Greater Houston Restaurant Association Cameron James said they are working with state and local officials to get restaurant workers on the vaccination list.

“With over 200,000 restaurant employees in the Greater Houston area, I think that would be a huge step in the right direction in terms of herd immunity and getting back to normal,” James said.

Mayor Turner said essential workers should be included.

“Because once you open everything up and treat things as normal, it’s critically important,” Mayor Turner said.

The Department of State Health Services held a press conference on Thursday.

Imelda Garcia, an associate commissioner for Laboratory and Infectious Disease Services and chair of the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel, was asked about essential workers and expanding Phase 1C.

“So, first and foremost, how we act in public matters and wearing your mask at all times, wash your hands, do all the preventive measures that you possibly can. You can still help by managing your own social distancing from other people. That’s my recommendation. Now, we do know that the vaccine supply is going to be increasing in the coming months, so we just need you to hang on there a little while longer. More vaccine is coming,” she said.

Source: www.click2houston.com

Matthew McConaughey hints at possibly running for Texas governor

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Matthew McConaughey hints at possibly running for Texas governor

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Matthew McConaughey said he was truly considering a run for Texas governor during an interview with Crime Stoppers Houston.

McConaughey, 51, acknowledged the possibility of running for office during an interview on “The Balanced Voice” podcast about his best-selling book “Greenlights.”

While speaking on his current role as a parent and a University of Texas professor, the actor and Texas native briefly spoke about his next role in life.

“I’m looking into now, what is my leadership role?” asked McConaughey. “Because I do think I have some things to teach and share. What is my role, what is my category in my next chapter of life that I’m going into now?”

Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO and host Rania Mankarious asked the actor if he was considering a run for Texas governor in his next lifetime, in which McConaughey answered, “It’s a true consideration.”

Last November, during an interview on interview on “The Hugh Hewitt Show,” McConaughey also hinted at a run for governor.

“I don’t know,” McConaughey said. “I mean, that wouldn’t be up to me. It would be up to the people more than it would be me.”

Republican Greg Abbott currently holds the governor’s seat in Texas, but re-election in the state happens in 2022.

Source: www.click2houston.com

$1,400 individual checks may start arriving this weekend

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$1,400 individual checks may start arriving this weekend

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The White House said Thursday the $1,400 direct payments for most Americans funded by the American Rescue Plan will start showing up in bank accounts as early as this weekend.

Press secretary Jen Psaki said the government will make the first direct deposits this weekend. She says payments will continue throughout the next several weeks.

President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan in the Oval Office on Thursday.

Besides the $1,400 direct payments to individuals, the plan includes money to help distribute coronavirus vaccines, provide relief to homeowners and renters, help reopen schools, provide aid to state and local governments, and an expansion of the child tax credit, among other features.

Source: www.click2houston.com

PRECINCT 2 CENTERS HOST FEMA APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

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PRECINCT 2 CENTERS HOST FEMA APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

Bilingual FEMA Representatives will be on-site to assist

Computers, internet access, & bilingual guidance available Saturday & multiple days next week

Harris County, TX — Commissioner Adrian Garcia has continued the FEMA Application Assistance Program for residents and businesses, with the next event happening tomorrow, March 13th and continuing Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday of next week. Precinct 2 staff will provide computers, internet access, and guidance (in both English and Spanish) to anyone who needs help applying for FEMA aid. FEMA representatives will also be at the centers to assist applicants in both English and Spanish. Help is available at the following Precinct 2 facilities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and operating on the following schedule:

Anyone without insurance who is wishing to receive help with the recovery process is asked to take the following steps:

  1. Take photos of your damaged home and belongings
  2. Make a list of damaged/lost items
  3. Create an email address if you do not have one already

Those with insurance are urged to take the same steps as above when filing a claim with their insurance company. FEMA Applications are available at DisasterAssistance.gov and/or by calling (800) 621-3362 or (800) 462-7585. See printable and shareable flyers on the following two pages.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Precinct 2 facilities are still observing CDC guidance and mask/social distancing will be required for anyone who wishes to receive help from this program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WANTED: Person who followed vehicle, then shot four people inside it

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WANTED: Person who followed vehicle, then shot four people inside it


Crime Stoppers and the Houston Police Department’s Major Assaults Division need the public’s assistance identifying the suspects responsible for an Aggravated Assault – Deadly Weapon.

On Sunday, February 28, 2021, at approximately 11:20 a.m., the victims were shot while in the 13700 blocks of the Northwest Freeway in Houston, Texas. During the incident, the suspect vehicle (a black 4-door Chevy impala with damage to the passenger doors) followed the victims into a parking lot and fired multiple shots into their vehicle. Four victims sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital and treated for gunshot wounds.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, charging, and/or arrest of the suspects in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org, or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

The language in this press release is intentional and could have legal implications.  Please do not change the copy of the paragraph above.  

HPD 273355-21

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IRS volunteers at the University of Houston-Downtown gear up to provide free income tax help

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IRS volunteers at the University of Houston-Downtown gear up to provide free income tax help

One of the good things to happen from the winter storm: The tax filing deadline has been extended until June for everyone in Texas.

We’ve told you about tax assistance in the past. It is happening now, but with the pandemic, things look a lot different.

Trained volunteers for the IRS are still able to work with you through the process of filing your taxes and hopefully, getting the returned check you deserve.

But this year, you cannot meet with those volunteers face-to-face. Instead, you will have to go over the forms and information over a Zoom call.

The VITA Free Tax Help Program At the University of Houston-Downtown is already up and running, and tax helpers there are finding the technology is not slowing them down when it comes to helping people file their taxes.

“Many of them have never encountered Zoom. If I say something like Facetime, ‘You do Facetime?’ And they say, ‘Oh yes, yes,’ and it makes sense to them,” said UHD VITA Program Director Cynthia Lloyd.

There is an income limit of around $66,000.

There are no walk-ins this year because it’s all done over the internet, so you have to make an appointment.

Source: abc13.com

Houston Texans coach David Culley reaffirms commitment to Deshaun Watson: ‘He is our quarterback’

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Houston Texans coach David Culley reaffirms commitment to Deshaun Watson: ‘He is our quarterback’

Speaking for the first time since his introductory news conference, Houston Texans head coach David Culley reiterated in a video conference on Thursday that the team is committed to quarterback Deshaun Watson.

“We are very committed to Deshaun as our quarterback,” Culley said. “He is our quarterback. He’s the only guy we got under contract at this time, right now.”

Watson requested a trade less than six months after signing a four-year, $156 million contract extension that goes through the 2025 season. Watson’s trade request came after the quarterback was unhappy with the process used by the team to hire general manager Nick Caserio in January.

Watson has a no-trade clause, but given the length of his contract and the possibility of franchise-tagging him for three years, the Texans could choose not to trade him and would have control of his rights through the 2028 season.

When asked if the Texans are going to trade Watson, Culley said, “Deshaun Watson is a Houston Texan. And we’re committed to him.”

Culley said “as of right now, there is no contingency plan” if Watson chooses to sit out rather than play for Houston.

The Texans’ new head coach met with Watson over Zoom in mid-February, and the quarterback reiterated, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, that he never wants to play for Houston again. Culley declined to say what the two discussed, saying he wanted to keep that between him and Watson.

When asked if Watson was committed to the Texans in the same way Culley says the team is committed to the quarterback, Culley said, “Yes he is.”

After referencing the commitment the Texans made to Watson by signing him to a contract extension, Culley said, “I feel like that same commitment would be made to us [from Watson] also.”

Source: abc13.com

HPD chief highlights 3 main 2021 initiatives for ‘March on Crime’

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HPD chief highlights 3 main 2021 initiatives for ‘March on Crime’

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and other HPD leaders discussed the department’s annual “March on Crime” initiative Monday morning.

Acevedo highlighted specific efforts the department will employ to help “keep Houston safe.”

“It’s been a tough year,” Acevedo said. “It’s been a tough year for our country, and it’s been a tough year for our community.”

During the briefing, Acevedo recalled the moment he took his son to work. Acevedo said his son said he loved living in Houston. When Acevedo asked his 12-year-old son why, he said, “Because you have to have the grit to live in Houston, you have to be tough.”

Acevedo then shared the three main focuses the department wants to focus on this year: road rage, gun safety, and aggravated assaults.

In an effort to decrease the number of road rage incidents, Acevedo said he was happy to have formed a team with the Traffic Enforcement Division to pursue those contributing in those numbers.

“The reason we want to put an end to that is that death is final regardless of how you get there,” he said. “You can’t get that life back.”

He said those that get stopped for street racing will not only get jailed but will get their vehicles seized.

Shifting gears, Acevedo said the number of murders can likely drop if there’s an advocation for gun safety. He reminded gun owners to “make sure firearms are secured.”

He also advised that firearms be removed if a household is unstable to reduce domestic violence incidents.

“Texans love firearms, but here’s the problem. People are leaving firearms in their cars and criminals are targeting vehicles for firearms. Those firearms are then used to commit robberies, assaults, and murders.”

And for the many people that may be experiencing domestic violence, Acevedo assured in his briefing that victims should not be afraid to reach out for help.

“We promise you that we will get you on a path to safety and security,” he said.

The “March on Crime” initiative was created in December 1984 after concerns grew of violent crimes being committed in the Black community, according to its proclamation.

During the briefing, Councilmember Sallie Alcorn declared next month as of March on Crime Month in the city.

The campaign’s first year achieved much success, including a similar program for the Hispanic community, “Lucha contra el Crimen.”

While this may be an annual initiative, Houston has already seen a high volume of crime this year, especially among teens. Just three weeks into 2021, at least 10 teenagers in the Houston area have lost their lives because of gun violence. That’s the highest number over that time period in the past five years.

The city closed out in 2020 with 400 people murdered. That’s a spike of at least 42% over 2019 and 100 more than the highs seen in 2015 and 2016 when the city hit 300 murders.

Source: abc13.com

These symptoms and risk factors may predict whether you could become a ‘COVID-19 long hauler

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These symptoms and risk factors may predict whether you could become a ‘COVID-19 long hauler

A new study suggests coronavirus symptoms felt in the first week of infection may be a predictor of how long they will last.

Patients with COVID-19 who felt more than five symptoms in their first week of illness were more likely to become a “COVID-19 long hauler,” which researchers qualified as having symptoms for longer than 28 days, according to the study published Wednesday in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Medicine.

The five symptoms experienced during the first week that were most predictive of becoming a long hauler were fatigue, headache, hoarse voice, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing.

Researchers from King’s College London, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital asked COVID-19 patients from the U.K., U.S., and Sweden to report their symptoms through a smartphone application from March to September 2020.

Out of more than 4,000 participants, about 13% of patients reported symptoms lasting more than 28 days, 4% for more than 8 weeks, and 2% for more than 12 weeks.

Out of the patients who reported symptoms for more than four weeks, “a third of those will have symptoms at 8 weeks and then a third of those at 12 weeks,” said study co-author Dr. Christina Astley, a physician-scientist at Boston Children’s Hospital. “If you think about it, 1 in 20 people who have COVID-19 will have symptoms lasting 8 weeks or more.”

The likelihood of having persistent symptoms was significantly associated with increasing age, rising from 9.9% of individuals 18 to 49, to 21.9% in those above 70. Anosmia, or the loss of smell, was the most common symptom in older age groups.

While the study attempted to identify risk factors and markers that may indicate long COVID-19, doctors are finding it can happen to anyone at any age, said Dr. Michael Wechsler, a pulmonologist at National Jewish Health.

“It can happen in any age group, but it’s most alarming to younger people who are otherwise healthy and not used to these symptoms,” he said.

The study found two main patterns among study participants. One group of COVID-19 long haulers exclusively reported fatigue, headache, and upper respiratory issues, such as shortness of breath, sore throat, cough and loss of smell. However, the second group of long haulers had persistent multi-system complaints, such as a fever or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Weschler sees a wide array of symptoms in the clinic that caters to COVID-19 long haulers at National Jewish Health. Similar clinics have popped up in hospitals across the country to accommodate the growing number of COVID-19 patients who report symptoms months after recovery.

“Long COVID is common. It affects a large proportion of patients and has a wide distribution of symptoms,” he said. “It’s important to make people aware that all these different side effects and symptoms can occur.”

The study comes a few weeks after Dr. Anthony Fauci announced the U.S. government was launching a nationwide initiative to study long COVID-19, which he called Post Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC).

A study published in JAMA Network Open on Feb. 19 found that about 30% of COVID-19 patients reported persistent symptoms as long as nine months after the illness.

“(There are) a lot of important questions that are now unanswered that we hope with this series of initiatives we will ultimately answer,” he said during a White House briefing on Feb. 24.

“A lot of attention has been paid to morbidity and mortality associated with COVID and that drove a lot of modeling and decision making,” she said. “But now that more and more of the population has had exposure and infection with COVID, this more chronic aspect of COVID becomes more important.

Source: www.usatoday.com

‘No place for a celebration:’ Lamar Consolidated ISD students demand district to change prom from former plantation

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‘No place for a celebration:’ Lamar Consolidated ISD students demand district to change prom from former plantation

Students enrolled in Lamar Consolidated ISD expressed disappointment Wednesday over plans to host senior prom at a well-known former plantation.

“You’re asking us to dance on our ancestors’ graves and that could very well make people angry,” said Zenobia Wiley, a senior at George Ranch High School in Richmond.

The school is less than two miles from The George Ranch Historical Park, a 20,000-acre facility “divided into four time periods (the 1830s, 1860s, 1890s, and 1930s) and features historic home tours, costumed interpreters, hands-on activities, cattle working, and blacksmithing,” according to the facility’s website.

The site, described as a living historical preservation of Texas heritage, is a partnership of the Fort Bend History Association and The George Foundation.

During its history, the location served as a plantation, and its owner’s owned, slaves.

“A plantation is a plantation. A slave is a slave, and both are wrong and both shouldn’t really be celebrated,” said Bethany Hoskins, a senior at George Ranch High School.

Students said their principal made the announcement in a weekly newsletter emailed to parents and students.

Lamar Consolidated ISD said the plan is to host prom for each of the district’s five high schools at the location in an outdoor covered area.

“This will allow our students and staff to be socially distanced, outdoors, and protected from potential rain showers,” said Lindsey Sanders, LCISD’s community relations director in a statement to KPRC 2.

Sanders continued, “we are looking forward to providing all of our seniors with an official school prom after COVID-19 prevented this event last spring.”

However, hosting the prom at the former plantation does not sit well with some students, who allege the district is not taking into consideration the wellbeing of Black students and other students of color.

“Many black students feel nobody cares about our feelings, especially the climate that we’re in,” said Hoskins.

“We’re all familiar with what the place is and what it represents,” added Kaylia Awon, a senior at George Ranch High School.

Awoh, Wiley, and Hoskins said once they learned about the plan they tried to seek direction from teachers and administrators but no one responded.

Students have created a petition calling for the district to reconsider. Over 700 signatures had been secured by Wednesday.

Still, the students said some teachers and students feared retaliation by the administration if they signed.

”Today, we spoke to one of our Black teachers and she told us that she wanted to sign the petition that we created but there will be repercussions if they did so,” Wiley said.

The George Ranch Historical Park’s website doesn’t shy away from the site’s past as a former plantation.  It mentions several former slaves who lived on the land, under the control of a slaveholder, but students feel the full truth about the past isn’t being properly shared.

Prom, they contend, exacerbates that point.

“This is not the time, anymore, to continue romanticizing white-washed history,” Wiley said.

While LCISD’s statement to KPRC 2 confirmed the location, it did not address students’ concerns.

“George Ranch Historical Park is an educational place and there’s no denying that and it’s learning about the history there. It’s no place for a celebration or a prom,” Hoskins said.

Here is the full statement released by Lama Consolidated ISD:

Due to COVID-19 considerations, the District is holding all 2021 proms at the George Ranch Historical Park’s outdoor covered arena.

This will allow our students and staff to be socially distanced, outdoors, and protected from potential rain showers.

Many school districts in the Greater Houston area annually visit The George Ranch Historical Park, which provides field trips and learning opportunities for students.

We are looking forward to providing all of our seniors with an official school prom after COVID-19 prevented this event last spring.

Source: www.click2houston.com

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