“It’s tempting, especially during the holidays, to think it’s okay to visit friends and family now, especially now that there are lights at the end of the tunnel with the COVID-19 vaccine,” Hidalgo said. “Right now, in the holiday season, when the virus is raging around the nation and our state, we face the biggest challenge yet.”
Hidalgo added that the number of patients in the ICU has not stopped rising.
“Everywhere in Texas, communities are entering dangerous areas,” Hidalgo said. “The way to show your loved ones that you love them this holiday season is to stay home and put your plans on hold this year.”
Judge Hidalgo said she and Turner wanted to work together to convey the seriousness of how important it is for everyone to cancel meetings this year.
Mayor Turner followed Hidalgo’s statement, saying he agreed with her as they talked about where the city and county stand right now.
“The degree of positivity is rising. Our ICUs are up where they were six weeks ago and now we’re getting ready to go right into the heart of the holiday season,” Turner said. “Schedule them again [holiday] plans for some time next year. It is important to do this to keep loved ones and yourself safe.
During the briefing, Turner said 634 new cases of COVID-19 were reported Wednesday, bringing the city’s total value to 112,056.
Prior to the briefing, Houston business owners feared that another shutdown could be underway. While leaders have not yet chosen to impose a curfew, Hidalgo said they do not rule it out.
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