‘Moving in the wrong direction’: Coronavirus positivity rate increases in Houston, mayor says

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner updated residents on the city’s positivity rate and coronavirus cases as of Monday.

On Oct. 13, Turner set a new goal for the city of Houston, hoping to lower the rate to 2.5% by mid-November. The new goal was set by Turner after the city reached its original 5% goal in early October.

READ: Houston’s COVID-19 positivity rate drops to 5%, health department reports

On Monday, he said the city is “moving in the wrong direction” after seeing an increase in its positivity rate. Turner reports the city’s positivity rate is now 6.5%.

“I am worried this could be the first signs of a trend in the wrong direction that could sicken more Houstonians and strain our hospital system,” Turner said.

As of Monday, the Houston Health Department reported 168 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths.