“It’s tempting, especially during the holidays, to think it’s okay to visit friends and family now, especially now that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel with the COVID-19 vaccine,” Hidalgo said. “Right now, in the holiday season, as the virus unleashes across the nation and our state, we face the biggest challenge so far.”
Hidalgo added that the number of patients in the ICU has not stopped growing.
“Across Texas, communities are entering dangerous territory,” Hidalgo said. “The way to show your loved ones that you love them this holiday season is to stay home, to put your plans on hold this year.”
Judge Hidalgo said she and Turner want to join forces to convey the seriousness of how important it is for everyone to cancel this year’s meetings.
Mayor Turner followed Hidalgo’s statements, saying he agreed with her because they talked about where the city and county are right now.
“The positivity rate is rising. Our ICUs are up from where they were six weeks ago and now we are preparing to go straight into the heart of the holiday season,” Turner said. “Schedule those [holiday] plans for some time next year. It is important to do this to keep your loved ones and yourself safe.
During the hearing, Turner said 634 new cases of COVID-19 were reported on Wednesday, bringing the city’s total to 112,056.
Prior to the briefing, Houston business owners feared another shutdown might be underway. While leaders have chosen not to take over yet, Hidalgo said they do not rule it out.
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