| AUSTIN – The Office Of The Governor and Major League Baseball Hall-Of-Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez today issued a new public service announcement (PSA) on the importance of wearing a mask to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In the PSA, Rodríguez urges Texans to wear a mask in public to protect themselves and others from the virus. The new PSA is available on YouTube in both English and Spanish and can be downloaded at this link. ENGLISH-LANGUAGE PSA TRANSCRIPT “This is Iván Pudge Rodríguez here and as you know, my whole entire career I’ve been using this mask. Now I wanted to ask you to wear your mask to keep our businesses safe for you. So please, if you keep your mask on, we’re going to keep our businesses open for you. Take care of yourself, God bless you, and stay safe.” SPANISH-LANGUAGE PSA TRANSCRIPT “Saludos a todos, les habla Iván Rodríguez. Por toda mi carrera, yo le doy gracias a Dios que yo pude usar esta mascara para jugar todos los años en grandes ligas y ahora es el momento para que ustedes usen la de ustedes; y ahora que el béisbol regresa, es importante que hagamos esto para mantener nuestros negocios abiertos para ustedes. Que Dios los bendiga y saludos.” |
Office Of The Governor, MLB Hall-Of-Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez Release New COVID-19 PSA In English, Spanish
La Orden de Salud y Seguridad de Negocios del Condado Harris para Negocios se Extenderá hasta al el 26 de agosto
La jueza del Condado Harris, Lina Hidalgo, enmendará una orden existente que exige que todas las empresas en el Condado Harris desarrollen y publiquen una política de salud y seguridad para empleados y clientes, que como mínimo incluye un requisito de cubierta facial. Como parte del pedido, todas las personas mayores de 10 años deben cubrirse la cara mientras están en negocios o en propiedades comerciales, incluidos los empleados, visitantes y clientes.
- La orden se ha extendido hasta las 11:59 p.m. del miércoles 26 de agosto de 2020.
- Una muestra de dicha política de salud y seguridad está disponible aquí: https://www.readyharris.org/county-orders
- El texto completo de la extensión está disponible aquí: https://www.readyharris.org/Stay-Safe
Entendiendo el Edicto
- Las empresas deben desarrollar un plan de salud y seguridad para empleados y clientes para protegerlos de COVID-19. Como mínimo, este plan debe incluir que todos los empleados, clientes y visitantes (mayores de 10 años) que ingresen a negocios o propiedades comerciales deben usar una cubierta facial o cubrebocas.
- Las empresas deben publicar e informar a los clientes / visitantes que estén obligados a cubrirse la cara mientras se encuentren en las instalaciones.
- Las empresas se reservan el derecho de rechazar el servicio a aquellos que no usen una mascarilla para la cara, con excepciones para aquellos que no pueden usar una por razones médicas (ver excepciones a continuación).
- Las empresas que no cumplan con esta orden podrían enfrentar una multa (ver cumplimiento más abajo).
- Las cubiertas faciales pueden ser un cubrebocas casero, una pañoleta, un pañuelo o bufanda siempre y cuando cubran la nariz y boca.
Excepciones a las coberturas faciales obligatorias
- Debe usar una cubierta facial en todo momento mientras se encuentre en negocios o en propiedades comerciales, excepto:
- Al comer o beber;
- Las cubiertas faciales se deben usar en los restaurantes, pero se pueden quitar mientras se come / bebe.
- Cuando hace ejercicio o realiza actividades físicas; o,
- Cuando el uso de una cubierta facial representa un riesgo mental, físico, de seguridad o protección (es decir, alguien que tiene problemas para respirar).
Elección y uso de una cubierta facial
El Condado de Harris no puede proporcionar cubiertas faciales a los residentes. Alentamos a los residentes comprar o hacer cubrebocas para su uso.
Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) tienen orientación sobre cómo usar adecuadamente las cubiertas faciales y cómo hacer sus propias cubiertas faciales: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/ cloth-face-cover.htmlContinuar con buenos hábitos de salud
El uso de una cubierta facial no es un sustituto del distanciamiento social de 6 pies y el lavado de manos, ya que estos siguen siendo pasos importantes para frenar la propagación del virus.
Ejecutando el Decreto
Las empresas que no requieran que los clientes / visitantes / empleados usen cubiertas faciales p bajo esta el EDICTO pueden enfrentar una multa de hasta $ 1,000 por violación.
Para denunciar negocios que comentan alguna violación de la Orden de Salud y Seguridad del Condado la cual requiere el uso de cubierta facial, visite esta página o llame al 832-839-6941
Harris County Business Health and Safety Order for Businesses will be extended until at least 8/26/20
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo will amend an existing order mandating that all businesses in Harris County develop and post a health and safety policy for employees and customers, which at a minimum includes a face covering requirement. As part of the order, everyone over the age of 10 must wear a face covering while in businesses or on commercial properties, including employees and all visitors and customers.
- The order has been extended until at least 11:59 PM on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.
- A sample health and safety policy is available here: https://www.readyharris.org/county-orders
- Full text of the order will be made available here: https://www.readyharris.org/Stay-Safe
Understanding the Order
- Businesses must develop a health and safety plan for employees and customers to protect them from COVID-19. At a minimum, this plan must include that all employees, customers and visitors (over the age of 10) that enter businesses or commercial properties must wear a face covering.
- Businesses must post and inform customers/visitors that they are required to wear a face covering while on the premises.
- Businesses reserve the right to refuse service to those not wearing a face covering with exceptions for those who cannot wear one for medical reasons (see exceptions below).
- Businesses who do not comply with this order could face a fine (see enforcement below).
- Face coverings may be a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief, as long as it covers the nose and mouth.
Exceptions to Face Covering Order
- You must wear a face covering at all times while in businesses or on commercial property, except:
- When eating or drinking;
- Face coverings should be worn to restaurants, but can be removed while eating/drinking.
- When you are exercising or doing physical activities; or,
- When wearing a face covering poses a mental, physical, safety or security risk (i.e. someone who has trouble breathing).
Choosing and Wearing a Face Covering
Harris County cannot provide face coverings to residents. We encourage residents to purchase or make a face covering to wear.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has guidance on how to properly wear face coverings and how to make your own face coverings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
Continue Good Health Habits
Wearing a face covering is not a substitute for maintaining 6-feet social distancing and hand washing because these remain important steps to slowing the spread of the virus.
Enforcement
Businesses who do not require customers/visitors/employees to wear face coverings under this Order can face a fine of up to $1,000 per violation.
To report businesses in violation of the County Health and Safety Order, which requires face coverings, click here or call 832-839-6941.
County Attorney’s Office prepared for first day of early voting
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan announced today that his office is prepared to ensure the safety and security of the July 14th primary runoff election as early voting begins today.
“For each election, our office works with the County Clerk and other agencies to make sure all voters are able to cast their ballots, whether in-person or by mail, without intimidation, coercion or fraud,” said County Attorney Ryan. “This is also the first election since the COVID-19 pandemic began, so the County had the added responsibility of keeping voters and poll workers safe at polling locations.”
The July 14th runoff election will decide races in the Democratic and Republican primaries. Early voting will take place from today, June 29, through Thursday, July 2, and then picks up after the holiday from Sunday, July 5, through Friday, July 10. There are 57 early voting locations in Harris County and hours have been extended. Voters can cast ballots at any location. (For more information, visit www.harrisvotes.com.)
Additional safety precautions will be taken for in-person voting due to COVID-19. Poll workers will wear protective equipment, plexiglass shields will be in place at check-in locations, voting machines will be cleaned and voters will be given coverings for their finger so they don’t have to touch the machines. Voters will be encouraged social distance and to wear masks; they will be given a mask if they don’t have one.
It is the responsibility of the Harris County Attorney to ensure that people are not coerced or intimidated into voting for certain candidates and that those who are legitimate voters have the ability to cast their ballot. During each election, the County Attorney’s Office fields questions from the public about the required identification documents or the appropriate ballot for their precinct or complaints about intimidation by poll watchers. Attorneys and investigators from the Office will be dispatched to a location where a voter has an issue and check it out.
Any questions or complaints can be directed by voters to the Election Hotline at 713-755-6965 or to Special Assistant County Attorney Douglas Ray at 281-935-1904 or email him at douglas.ray@cao.hctx.net.
More people are expected to vote by mail this year due to concerns about COVID-19. Texas allows citizens to request an absentee ballot if they are over the age of 65, will be out of the county during voting, in jail but otherwise eligible to vote or have a disability, defined as a “sickness or physical condition” that prevents a citizen from voting in person without the risk of “injuring the voter’s health.” (Disability can also include pregnancy.)
The issue of whether concern about contracting the virus counts as a “disability” has been the subject of several court decisions. Special Assistant County Attorney Ray explains that the Texas Supreme Court ruled that state law says it is up to the voter: “Elected officials have placed in the hands of the voter the determination of whether in-person voting will cause the likelihood of injury due to a physical condition.” Ray says the Supreme Court also made it clear that election officials have neither the ability nor responsibility to investigate why someone requests a mail ballot due to “disability.”
Vote by mail ballot applications have been sent to all voters 65+ years of age in Harris County who did not already have an annual ballot request on file. Ballots must be postmarked by July 14th and received no later than 5 p.m. on the 15th. In addition, voters may bring their mail ballot to the Harris County Clerk’s office at 1001 Preston, Suite 440, on Election Day before 7 p.m. with appropriate ID.
“The world has changed due to COVID-19 but our democracy must move forward with our elections,” said County Attorney Ryan. “Our constitutional right to vote for our elected officials will not be stopped by a virus. My Office stands ready to help ensure a fair election July 14th and beyond.”
Early Voting for the 2020 Primary Runoff Elections Starts on Monday
| Safety Measures Will be Taken at all Polling Locations |
| (Houston, TX) –– Early voting for the July 14 Primary Runoff Elections begins Monday, June 29, and ends Friday, July 10. A total of 57 polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, with the following exceptions: Polls will be closed July 3 and 4 to observe the Fourth of July Holiday;On Sunday, July 5, polls are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.On the last day of Early Voting, Friday, July 10, polls will be open for extended hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to accommodate voters who wish to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day, July 14. “Our office is doing all it can to ensure that polling locations are run safely and efficiently,” said Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins. “All locations will observe social distancing, provide personal protective equipment for poll workers and all voters who need it, and ensure consistent sanitization of voting machines.” The Harris County Clerk’s Office has been working with health officials to understand what can be done to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, but voters should also take safety measures. Click here for “Safety While Voting” tips and information. “We encourage registered voters to apply for a ballot by mail if you are eligible. If you want to vote in person, we urge you to vote early at less crowded locations to minimize contact with other voters,” added Hollins. “You can also help by downloading your sample ballot at home and making your selections before you arrive at the polls. You can take your sample ballot with you and cut down the time you spend in the voting booth.” Please note that if you voted in the March primary, you can only vote in the same party’s runoff. Individual sample ballots for both parties and a list of early voting locations is available at HarrisVotes.com. The deadline to request a ballot by mail for the Primary Runoff Elections is Thursday, July 2 (received, not postmarked). Stay up to date on important information by following @HarrisVotes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. |
HARRIS COUNTY COVID-19 RELIEF FUND SEES RECORD NUMBER OF APPLICANTS IN SECOND PHASE OF FUNDING
Applicants to be notified of selection and community-based
organization match by June 30
HOUSTON, TX (June 25, 2020) – This week, the Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund opened its application for aid to the public as part of its second phase of funding. The application, which was available online and over the phone, was inundated by tens of thousands of Harris County residents seeking assistance from the fund.
The total number of applications is currently being processed to de-duplicate submissions for those who might have submitted multiple applications. However, over the span of two days, the fund:
· Hosted 1,898,555 sessions on its website (including visitors who visited the website multiple times)
o 178,562 of the sessions were conducted in Spanish
o 2,474 of the sessions were conducted in Vietnamese
o 1,973 of the sessions were conducted in Chinese
· Assisted 24,136 people over the phone
o 8,103 call sessions in Spanish
o 16,033 call sessions in English
“The staggering number of applications we received only goes to show the immense magnitude of need across Harris County,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “It is clear that people are hurting, so we’re moving as quickly as possible to get these funds out the door.”
To ensure a fair process for all who applied, all applications will be put into a drawing and randomly selected. To reach those most vulnerable in the community, applicants from vulnerable census tracts, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Social Vulnerability Index, will be prioritized to receive assistance, with those in the most vulnerable areas receiving up to a 50% increased chance of being selected. Those selected through the randomized process will be matched with a community-based organization that will then reach out within five business days to continue the application process.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the fund’s systems will need additional time to process, select, and match applicants with the appropriate community-based organization. Originally forecasted to be Friday, June 26, applicants will now be informed of their application status on Tuesday, June 30.
“We understand that urgency is critical as the need is great, and we’re committed to deploying this aid fairly and as quickly as possible so that it reaches those who need it most, “ said Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “As we’ve said from the very beginning, we won’t be able to help everyone but I’m proud that Harris County is trying to step up where others can’t or won’t.”
The 44 grantee community-based organizations, who received the fund’s first phase of funding on June 12, continue to serve individuals and families with whom they were already engaged with. As of today, a total of 2,381 households in Harris County have been served, or are in the process of being served.
“The massive number of applications received shows how many of our neighbors are struggling and need immediate help. This pandemic has devastated our national, state, and local economies, and we know the fund will not be sufficient to satisfy the full demand,” said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “However, we are committed to working day and night to help as many people and businesses as possible. Additionally, I commend the Greater Houston Community Foundation for their remarkable job in administrating this program.”
To help these organizations focus on helping those they are already working to serve, the full list of community-based organizations will be shared with the public on Monday, June 29. The fund will continue to share updates about its first and second phases of funding on its website, www.harriscountyrelief.org.
Those who are still looking for assistance are encouraged to call 211 Texas/United Way helpline to find an organization in their geographic region. Individuals can also visit www.readyharris.org and www.harriscountyrelief.org/resources for more information and other options for available aid.
METRO Board Approves Requiring Facial Coverings on System
| Enhanced Safety Measures Allow Fare Collection to Resume |
 METRO is continuing to expand its public service efforts requiring all riders, employees, contractors and visitors wear a face covering unless impracticable due to a medical condition. The health and safety rule unanimously approved today by METRO’s Board of Directors extends to METRO vehicles, facilities and transit centers.The new rule is also consistent with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s signed order mandating that everyone over the age of 10 wear a face covering while in businesses or on commercial properties, including employees, visitors and customers. That order will be effective until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, June 30.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged face masks do provide a benefit in preventing the spread of the disease.METRO has brochures available on buses and trains with CDC instructions on how to make your own face coverings, and subject to availability, METRO will provide a mask to customers needing one while riding the system or entering a METRO facility.Additionally, more protective upgrades are being added to buses, trains and METROLift vehicles. Operators and riders will have access to hand sanitizer while on board and protective shields around drivers’ seats will now provide another layer of separation between operators and riders.Fare Collection & RideStore Operations to ResumeBecause of these additional safety measures, METRO will be returning to fare collection on July 12, 2020. At that time, front door boarding and exiting will also resume and boarding from the rear door will no longer be allowed.METRO will reopen the RideStore at the Downtown Transit Center, 1900 Main Street on Monday, July 6, 2020.Customers should keep the following in mind.Customers will be required to use a designated entrance, wear a mask and undergo a temperature check before entering the RideStore.The main lobby will remain closed to the public.Fare cards can be purchased and reloaded at machines located on rail platforms and buses, and at local retailers, and online.METRO’s Lost & Found Office will be opened.METRO RideStores at Fannin South and 1001 Travis Street remain closed.For answers to common questions about fares (including fare costs, payment methods, where to buy fares and more), please visit our fare collection page. Protectice plastic shield on METROLift van provides added protection for passengers and drivers.Schedules for the week of June 29 are below.Park & Ride – Downtown DestinationsService will operate from 5 – 9 a.m. for inbound trips and from 3 – 7 p.m. for outbound trips. Buses are scheduled to pick up passengers approximately every 15 minutes, with the exception of 236 Maxey/ Baytown which will run every 30 minutes. There will be no midday or late night service.Customers should allow extra time for travel as the buses may make more stops than usual. Park & Ride – TMC DestinationsRoutes serving the Texas Medical Center will operate on a regular weekday schedule.291 Conroe Park & Ride will only run 6:30 a.m. inbound and 4:30 p.m. outbound trips.Local BusLocal bus routes will continue to run on a modified Saturday Schedule seven days a week.Route designations can be found on bus stop signs and on this METRO local bus route color chart.Extra buses have been added on routes with high demand to allow riders to spread out on vehicles.METRORailRed Line: operating every six minutes on weekdays, and every 12 minutes on weekends.Purple & Green Lines: operating every 18 minutes.Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4: METRORail will operate on a Sunday schedule in observance of the Independence Day Holiday.METROLiftFriday, July 3 all subscription trips will be cancelled due to the closure of METROLift reservations and customer service in observance of the Independence Day Holiday.Customers should call the reservation line at 713-225-6716 on Thursday, July 2, to schedule trips for July 3 through July 6.Seating capacity on METROLift vehicles is reduced by 50 percent to encourage social distancing which may lead to delays.Please call METROLift Customer Service at 713-225-0119 if you have questions or need assistance.HOV/HOT LanesService on all METRO operated HOV/ HOT lanes is operating during regular hours.During non-peak hours, single-occupant vehicles can access the HOV / HOT lanes for a toll. METRO stepped up its cleaning schedule of vehicles at the beginning of March. In addition to daily cleaning, buses and trains are also cleaned midday. Along with using public transit for only essential trips, customers are reminded seating capacity on all METRO vehicles remains reduced to encourage social distancing. Please keep the following recommendations in mind when riding METRO:Separation of six feet or more from other people while on METRO vehicles, platforms and shelters is encouraged. Please help METRO “Keep it Clean” with proper disposal of masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment.Customers are encouraged to monitor METRO’s Twitter and Facebook pages for timely information regarding transit. METRO also offers real-time information through its service alerts system. |
he Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses on METRO’s network, METRORail‘s system includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), Green Line (East End) and Purple Line (Southeast). METRO’s services also include: STAR Vanpool, METROLift, HOV/HOT lanes, Bike & Ride program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO services at ridemetro.org where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.
Mayor Turner Names Task Force Members to Review Houston Police Department Policies and Practices
| HOUSTON – Today, Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed 45 members to his Task Force on Policing Reform to explore best practices and procedures in operating the Houston Police Department. A complete list of members is here. The task force will make recommendations in training, use of force, police oversight, and interactions with the community. The official charge of the Mayor’s Task Force on Policing Reform is to: Review HPD policies and practices relating to the use of force.Review the operation of the IPOB, its effectiveness and recommend what changes, if any, should be made.Body cameras: assess when video footage should or should not be released to the general public; ie: criteriaBest practices (model) for crisis diversion (e.g. substance abuse, mental/behavioral issues, homelessness) – evaluate HPD Crisis Intervention TeamAssess how well HPD is doing with community policing and what more should be done to build the bond between police and community.How to decrease the “overt” presence of law enforcement without adversely affecting safety.”It’s a tall order. It’s certainly important that people get an opportunity to express their thoughts, provide their opinions, and I know that we will get many. I think, in the end, this will help our city move forward in a very productive fashion,” said Mayor Turner. “Over the past several weeks, we have all listened to a call for police reform and the demand for change. People in our community want good policing, accountability, and transparency within the Houston Police Department.”  Laurence “Larry” Payne will chair the 45-member Mayor’s Task Force on Policing Reform.Currently, Mr. Payne is the Director of Strategic Partnerships, Civic Engagement, and Critical Conversations for the Houston Public Library.The other 44 members represent the business community, community activists/organizers to faith leaders to advocates. Mayor Turner also named five special advisors to the task force.The Mayor’s Task Force on Policing Reform will meet for the first time during the week of July 6 and have up to 90 days to submit its recommendations. |
MLB announces 2020 regular season
Players to Report for Training by July 1st Ahead of Baseball’s July 23rd-24th Openers; MLB Plans to Schedule 60-Game Regular Season
| Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. announced today that Major League Baseball anticipates beginning its 2020 regular season approximately one month from today, on July 23rd or July 24th. The announcement follows confirmation today that the MLB Players Association has accepted the health and safety protocols that will guide MLB’s return to play and that players will be able to report for training by July 1st. The health and safety of players and employees will remain MLB’s foremost priorities in its return to play. MLB is working with a variety of public health experts, infectious disease specialists and technology providers on a comprehensive approach that aims to facilitate a safe return. MLB has submitted a 60-game regular season schedule for review by the Players Association. The proposed schedule will largely feature divisional play, with the remaining portion of each Club’s games against their opposite league’s corresponding geographical division (i.e., East vs. East, Central vs. Central and West vs. West), in order to mitigate travel. The vast majority of Major League Clubs are expected to conduct training at the ballparks in their primary home cities. Commissioner Manfred said: “Major League Baseball is thrilled to announce that the 2020 season is on the horizon. We have provided the Players Association with a schedule to play 60 games and are excited to provide our great fans with Baseball again soon.” |
MLS is Back Tournament Schedule & Broadcast Details Announced
The Houston Dynamo will return to competitive action on July 13 when they face Los Angeles Football Club at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as part of the MLS is Back Tournament.
All three of Houston’s group-stage matches will take place in prime time, and all will be televised nationally.
Houston will play its first competitive match in 128 days when they open the tournament on FS1 and TUDN on July 13 at 7 p.m. CDT against Carlos Vela and LAFC.
The Dynamo will face the Portland Timbers on July 18 on ESPN 2 and ESPN Deportes at 7 p.m. CDT. Houston will close Group F play against the LA Galaxy in a rematch of the 2020 season opener on July 23 on FS1 and TUDN at 7 p.m. CDT.
The Dynamo will remain in Houston until early July and continue with full team training sessions at Houston Sports Park. Clubs that can conduct full team training in their markets pursuant to the league’s medical and testing protocols must arrive no later than seven days before their first match.
In addition to the schedule announcement, MLS today confirmed a change to the tournament’s competition structure. The top three teams from Group A, the six-team group, will advance to the Knockout Stage presented by Audi. Those three teams will be joined by the top two teams from the remaining five groups, as well as the next three highest ranked teams from the Group Stage presented by Heineken (the fourth-placed team in Group A is eligible to advance) based on points, goal difference, goals for, fair play points.
- CLICK HERE for the MLS is Back Tournament Competition Guidelines.
HOUSTON DYNAMO MLS IS BACK TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
| DATE | OPPONENT | TIME (CDT) |
| Monday, July 13 | Los Angeles Football Club | 7:00 p.m. CDT |
| Saturday, July 18 | Portland Timbers | 7:00 p.m. CDT |
| Thursday, July 23 | Los Angeles Galaxy | 7:00 p.m. CDT |