Houston area approaching hospitalizations threshold that requires reopening rollback

HOUSTON – Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services showed Monday that the Houston area is approaching the threshold that requires the rollback of reopenings.

DSHS data shows that coronavirus-related hospitalizations in Trauma Service Area Q, which includes Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, have been above 15% for six consecutive days.

At seven consecutive days, a provision of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s reopening order kicks in and requires, among other things, bars to close and restaurants to reduce capacity to 50%.

RELATED LINK: Map of Texas’ TSAs

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said she is aware of the rising hospitalizations.

“Things are getting worse,” Hidalgo said. “Things are not improving and it may just be the tip of the iceberg.”

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said he is aware that hospitalizations have been increasing and he asked that questions about future actions regarding Abbott’s order be directed to the governor.

This would be the same rollbacks that were instituted in Galveston and Brazoria counties, which are in Trauma Service Area R, just before Christmas.