All Eyes on Harris County, Shelter-in-Place Tomorrow?

All eyes are on Harris County as other major Texas counties prepare for shelter-in-place orders issued over the past two days.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s office announced a press conference scheduled for Tuesday morning at 8:15 a.m. with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, county health officials and leaders from Harris County hospitals. 

The City of Houston and Harris County could be the next major Texas metro area to announce a shelter-in-place order as the rapid spread of COVID-19 continues. 

On Sunday, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins made Dallas County the first Texas county to call for a shelter-in-place.

Earlier today, McLennan County Commissioners followed the lead of Dallas County, approving a shelter-in-place order for the City of Waco.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler told the Austin American-Statesman today that dual shelter-in-place orders would be put into effect Tuesday for all Travis and Williamson county residents. 

Although unconfirmed, it’s likely after today’s events that Houston is headed in the same direction.

Speakers in Harris County’s press conference tomorrow morning will include Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Houston Mayor Sylester Turner, Harris County Public Health Executive Director Umair A. Shah (MD, MPH), Houston Health Department’s David Persse (MD, FACEP, FAEMS), Houston Methodist President and CEO Marc Boom (MD), and Harris County Health System’s President and CEO Esmaeil Porsa (MD).

Updated March 24, 2020 8:34 a.m.:

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a shelter-in-place order for the county on Tuesday. The order will go into effect at midnight and will last through April 3.