Houston Matters
How the news covers COVID-19 (Jan. 24, 2022)
Posted on · On Monday's show: Identifying new coronavirus variants and drug-resistant bacteria, how news organizations cover COVID-19, and an Alzheimer's expert answers your questions.
Tag: COVID-19
Business
The omicron-driven COVID-19 surge hit some Texas restaurants and bars harder than others
Posted on · While some of the state’s restaurants and bars have dealt with temporary closures or staffing shortages fueled by the COVID-19 variant, others have been relatively unscathed.
Health & Science
Houston doctor suspended for vaccine misinformation sues Methodist Hospital
Posted on · Dr. Mary Bowden, a doctor in River Oaks, had her provisional privileges taken away after making claims online related to vaccine efficacy.
Houston Matters
Why oil prices have spiked and what it means for Houston (Jan. 19, 2022)
Posted on · On Wednesday's show: We learn why oil prices have spiked to their highest point since 2014, and we discuss the week in politics.
Education News
HISD closed its campuses and offices Tuesday because of COVID-19
Posted on · Sealy ISD also announced campus and office closures.
Houston Matters
Do past COVID infections mean you don’t need a vaccine? (Jan. 18, 2022)
Posted on · On Tuesday's show: Does natural immunity developed from a previous COVID infection provide anywhere near the same protection as a vaccine? And what kind of immunity do people really have after recovering?
Health & Science
Houston’s addiction treatment centers are feeling the effects of the omicron variant
Posted on · Houston inpatient addiction treatment centers are experiencing staffing shortages and other issues during the latest wave.
Health & Science
The Postal Service is now taking orders for COVID-19 test kits
Posted on · The Biden administration announced Friday that Americans can begin ordering free at-home COVID-19 tests starting January 19th. Orders can be placed using a website, COVIDTests.gov.
Education News
As Texas schools reopen amid a COVID wave, new teachers adjust to in-person classes
Posted on · Many Houston-area educators are finding themselves in a classroom for the first time after nearly two years of virtual learning.
The Coronavirus in Greater Houston
Houston fire and police staff still have the lowest COVID-19 vaccine compliance rates among city employees, records show
Posted on · Mayor Sylvester Turner's requirement has been in effect since October.
Health & Science
UT researchers warn COVID hospitalizations will surge beyond previous high
Posted on · Texas’ healthcare system will see the largest surge in coronavirus patients since the onset of the pandemic, according to the University of Texas at Austin COVID-19 Modeling Consortium.
Houston Matters
Colleges look to contain COVID as classes resume (Jan. 11, 2022)
Posted on · On Tuesday's show: How local colleges and universities are dealing with the omicron surge, and a conversation with Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee about a new hiring policy and several lawsuits the county is involved in.
The Coronavirus in Greater Houston
Harris County’s COVID-19 threat level raised to ‘red’ as region’s infection rate hits record high
Posted on · This comes after the county's positivity rate surpassed 34% as of Monday -- the highest it’s ever been since the pandemic began.
Houston Matters
How omicron is affecting Houston restaurants and events (Jan. 10, 2022)
Posted on · On Monday's show: The swiftly spreading omicron variant has led to cancellations of performances across Houston and even some restaurants closing. We get updates on each. And veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers your questions.
Health & Science
Texans are seeing COVID test scams. Here are three tips to avoid them
Posted on · The highly contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus has Texans searching for testing sites, but some places and some home tests may be scams.