What is the danger?
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for Harris County from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. today. Heat index readings are expected to range from 105 to 110 degrees. The dangerous heat conditions are likely to continue through the weekend. Everyone should take precautions to avoid heat illness or exhaustion.
What you should do:
STAY COOL!
- Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
- Always remember to LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK for children and pets in vehicles.
- Stay in an air-conditioned building or shelter as much as possible.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Check on those most at-risk twice a day.
- Bring pets inside and provide plenty of water for them to drink.
Extreme heat for a long period may put a strain on the electric grid. To reduce strain to the grid during the peak hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., it is recommended that you set your air conditioner at 78°F if possible and avoid using large appliances.
STAY HYDRATED!
- Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat.
- Drink more water than usual.
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
- Remind others to drink enough water, especially when outdoors.
STAY INFORMED!
- Stay updated on local weather forecasts and tips from trusted partners such as National Weather Service Houston-Galveston, Harris County Public Health, and ReadyHarris.
- Learn the symptoms of heat illness.
Where you can learn more:
- Beat The Heat Tips: Harris County Public Health
- Extreme Heat Safety: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
- Local Forecast: National Weather Service Houston-Galveston
The second bus operator last worked June 23 and in the two weeks prior, drove the following routes:
The third bus operator last worked June 27 and in the two weeks prior, drove the following routes:
The first light rail operator worked at a METRO facility two weeks prior to that employee’s last day, July 6, and had no contact with the public.The second light rail operator last worked June 30 and in the two weeks prior, operated the Red Line on these dates:
*The charts above reflect the days the operators were on duty two weeks prior to their last days on the job.The office assistant last worked June 30; the cleaner last worked June 26; the mechanic last worked June 26; one storeroom attendant last worked June 30; and the other storeroom attendant last worked June 27. None of these employees had contact with the public.Anyone who comes in contact with an individual who tests positive should monitor themselves for possible symptoms, contact your health care provider as soon as you develop any symptoms, and self-isolate to avoid possibly exposing others, including refraining from using public transportation.METRO is working with public health officials so they can identify and notify anyone who traveled the routes driven by the bus operators during those time frames as well as anyone else who may have been impacted by the latest positive cases.Since mid-March, METRO has sought to minimize the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission by operators or passengers by encouraging social distancing. On March 23, the agency temporarily suspended collecting fares to avoid unnecessary contacts. Shortly thereafter, orange mesh fencing was installed across the aisles of every local bus to assure appropriate distancing between operators and passengers.More safety upgrades are also being added to buses, trains and METROLift vehicles. Operators and riders will now have access to hand sanitizer while on board and protective shields around drivers’ seats will provide another layer of separation between operators and the public. Operators and riders are required to wear a face covering while on the system.We appreciate and greatly value our riders. We have taken many actions, including working with the community at large, to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19. To prevent or minimize its transmission on the transit system, METRO asks all riders to use the system only for essential trips at this time, practice social distancing when you do ride transit (i.e., stand or sit at least 6 feet apart, as recommended by the 
