MCTX officials are closely monitoring COVID-19 and are working with local, state and federal agencies to manage the pandemic in this region. Based on recent updates, including the “Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency” in Fort Bend and Harris Counties, the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated to Level III.
As this is a serious public health threat, residents are encouraged to stop the spread by practicing healthy hygiene habits and taking the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
“We are committed to the health and safety of our residents. In addition, we are closely monitoring all safety guidelines as they relate to the operations of City services and programs,” Mayor Yolanda Ford said. “With COVID-19 spreading at this rapid pace, it’s important for everybody to take every safety precaution, to monitor updates on the citizens’ communications tools, and to contact your physician if you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms.”
In addition, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Fort Bend County Judge KP George issued updated community guidelines with several recommendations including cancelling or postponing events with more than 250 people; encouraging people at higher risk of severe illnesses to stay home and away from large crowds; requesting employers to maximize telecommuting options and to consider staggering start and end times to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time. To view full lists of recommendations to be followed until March 31, click these links: http://bit.ly/39KjjpS and http://bit.ly/2vTVUDM.
Local agencies have also established phone banks to assist citizens with concerns/inquiries regarding COVID-19. See details below:
For Fort Bend County Residents:
- Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
- 281.633.7795
- This number is staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- www.fbchealth.org/ncov
For Harris County Residents:
Staff is also closely monitoring local closures and event cancellations. See details below:
- Fort Bend Independent School District will be closed for at least two weeks from March 16.
- Houston Independent School District will be closed beginning Friday, March 13 through Monday, March, 30.
- University of Houston will be closed for a week from March 16.
- Houston Community College has extended their Spring Break (March 16 – 20); classes will not resume until March 25.
- Missouri City Leadership Luncheon honoring International Women’s Month for March 31 will be rescheduled.
Residents may signup to receive alerts and receive real-time information through the MCTX Emergency Management website, www.MissouriCityReady.com and the MCTX Twitter account, Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM.
For more updates and news, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).