Local & National Resources
Helplines
- Harris County “Ask a Nurse” Hotline
713.634.1110 (9am – 7pm, 7 days a week)
Intended for residents of Harris County who do not have access to healthcare - United Way Help Line – 211
Other Resources
- Department of States Health Services
- TexProtects Guide for Parents and Families
- Essential Workers Childcare Assistance
- Houston Health Department
- Harris County Public Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- CDC Travelers Health Notice
- University of Houston Community Coronavirus Information
- PBS: How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
- Health Matters
Surveys
Local News Coverage
The Coronavirus in Greater Houston
Omicron could be tougher against the COVID-19 vaccine than other variants, Rice research shows
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The Latest from Town Square
‘We are not done with the virus. And the virus is not done with us,’ says global health expert about omicron
Town Square
Singer Christina Wells on her voice, dreams, and the size of a stage
Posted on · The entertainer and Houston native talks about her journey from registered nurse, to America’s Got Talent contestant, to a villainous sea witch.
City Hall
Houston fire and police staff have the lowest COVID-19 vaccine compliance rates among city employees, records show
Posted on · City employees have had over six weeks to comply with the mayor’s COVID-19 order.
Business
There’s a Santa shortage just weeks before Christmas
Posted on · A drop in supply to Santa Claus performers across the country has been attributed to some being at high risk for COVID-19.
Town Square
What is the impact – and future – of Facebook and other digital technologies?
Posted on · Today, experts discuss the impact of social media, new digital technologies and digital activism. Plus, what do we know so far about the new omicron variant of the coronavirus?
Health & Science
As omicron spreads, studies suggest that travel bans alone don’t do much good
Posted on · Public health experts warn that the rush to impose travel bans on southern African countries after the omicron variant was identified can work against scientific transparency.
Health & Science
Today is the deadline for federal workers to be vaccinated
Posted on · The White House says no disruptions to government operations are expected from the mandate, which President Biden issued in September. Federal contractors have a January deadline.
Houston Matters
How one local arts company survived the pandemic
Posted on · Artistic and executive director Marlana Doyle talks about how she managed to launch a new dance company, keep it afloat and never stop dancing in the middle of a pandemic.
Health & Science
The FDA authorizes COVID booster shots for all U.S. adults
Posted on · The FDA on Friday granted emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna booster shots. The boosters have already been available for people 65 and older and to high-risk adults.
Arts & Culture
The Houston Ballet had to reschedule ‘Madame Butterfly’ because of pandemic supply chain issues
Posted on · Scenery and costumes were expected in Houston this Fall, but won't arrive in time.
Health & Science
U.S. COVID cases start to rise again as the holidays approach
Posted on · After declining most of the fall, new infections are up again in more than half of U.S. states, worrying experts about what the holiday season may bring.
Health & Science
All vaccinated adults could soon be eligible for a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot
Posted on · The Food and Drug Administration is expected to announce later this week that it is authorizing boosters for people 18 or older, even if they aren't at risk for severe disease.
Town Square
Black, Hispanic and Asian populations are at higher risk for COVID-19 and ICU admission, according to a new study
Posted on · Today, we’re trying to better understand COVID, race and health disparities.
Town Square
On Veterans Day: Remembering the cost of live and health to our servicemen and women
Posted on · Medical experts share what challenges and triumphs the veteran health care system has recently faced and a Korean War veteran reflects on his work, the Mural Wall at the Korean War Vets Memorial in D.C.
COVID-19 in Texas
Texas schools can again set their own face mask rules after federal judge overrules Gov. Greg Abbott’s ban
Posted on · The judge said the governor's order impedes children with disabilities from the benefits of public schools’ programs, services and activities, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Town Square
CDC recommends vaccines for children ages 5-11
Posted on · News of the vaccine arrives on the heels of a dark milestone. As of today, the US has surpassed 750,000 COVID deaths.
Coronavirus Prevention
News from NPR
Hiring slowed sharply in November, even before omicron, with 210,000 jobs added
Hiring slowed sharply last month, even as the unemployment rate fell to 4.2%. Data from the Labor Department suggest the economy was losing steam even before the appearance of a new COVID-19 variant.
Biden's new winter COVID plan will reimburse you for at-home tests
Among his new steps to fight COVID surges this winter: requiring private health insurers to reimburse people for at-home tests. It also calls for more people to get vaccines and boosters.
Stocks dive over the potential economic fallout from the omicron variant
Stocks fell on Tuesday as investors weighed the potential economic fallout from the new coronavirus variant. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank could end its bond-buying early.
New antiviral drugs are coming for COVID. Here's what you need to know
The FDA is considering new pills that could treat people in early stages of COVID. Here's what to know about how they work, how effective they are and the impact they could make on the pandemic.