COVID-19 in Houston: Testing Sites, Regulations and Up To Date Information.

From free drive-thru testing sites to medical supply shortages, and confirmed cases in Houston, we are here to provide you full up to date information on all things COVID-19 in Houston.

If you’ve been following CDC or watching the news, you know cases nationwide are on the rise. So are cases in Houston. Currently there are 375 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Houston-Area, with 18 deaths statewide. 

Harris county issued a stay-at-home order effective Wednesday. Urging people to only leave their homes for essentials: to get groceries, run crucial errands and exercise outside. The broad list of businesses excluded from the “shut down” makes the Houston shut down one of the most lenient in the country.

Bars and clubs were also ordered to close for 15 days effective Tuesday and restaurants are limited to take-out only effective Monday.

Currently there are a few testing locations throughout Houston. UMMC was the first in Houston to offer free drive-thru testing, followed by the Department of Health.

Doctors and nurses are urging people who test positive or have symptoms stay home and self-quarantine, unless you are having serious symptoms or are high risk.

Call your nearest emergency room or hospital if you aren’t sure what to do.

A Houston Police officer along with 6 other employees tested positive for the coronavirus. They are currently in self quarantine. 

There are severe medical supply and blood shortages across the country.

Lakewood Church and Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center are holding emergency blood drives starting Monday. The drive will continue every day through Friday and will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Memorial City Mall is hosting a nearly week long medical supply drive on Saturday, March 28, Monday, March 30, Wednesday, April 1, Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4.

From noon until 4pm. You can drop off items such as disposable face masks, eye protection including face shields and safety goggles, disposable gowns, disposable gloves, non-latex, disposable surgical caps, disposable foot covers, bleach, antimicrobial wipes and hand sanitizer.

Most Houston-area school districts are set to be closed at least until mid-April. For info about your school district closures visit your local district site.