News Releases

When faced with an unprecedented pandemic, Fort Bend County has chosen to prioritize the lives of its residents by issuing a ‘STAY HOME TO SAVE LIVES’ order. Our first responders, hospital systems, and frontline #COVID19 staff have made it clear that they need swift and bold action to slow the spread of coronavirus. We must listen to the science, data, and medical experts to make sure our most vulnerable residents are protected, and we avoid the situations now unfolding in places like Italy or Spain. This situation requires all of us, including the young and healthy, to stay home and make sacrifices if our whole community is to remain healthy and intact. More details to come at 4:30pm on Facebook Live. #FortBendForward #FortBendStrong

FBC Stay Home Order Info Sheet

document.pdf@fortbendcountytx.gov_20200324_133606

 

 

We will see a rise in the Brazos River this week due to rain events in the Brazos River Basin North of Fort Bend County.  The rain received in the basin combined with the release from some of the reservoirs upstream will result in the level of the river rising over the next 5 days.  The river is expected to rise just above 31 feet in Richmond but not expected to reach flood levels.  We are not expecting any levels to reach flood stages.  The same goes for Simonton and Rosharon area.  We will continue to monitor these levels and update if any changes.  

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services

4520 Reading Road – Suite A – Rosenberg, TX 77471

J. Minter, MD, MPH, MBA, Director

March 21, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services reports 5 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing overall total to 29

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services reports 5 additional cases of COVID-19 in Fort Bend County residents, bringing the county’s total to 29.

The 5 new cases are:

• A man in his 70s who was hospitalized and released, now recovering at home.
• A woman in her 20s with moderate symptoms and history of travel to a high incidence area, now recovering in isolation at home.
• A man in his 50 s with moderate symptoms, recovering at home.
• A woman in her 50s with moderate symptoms, recovering at home.
• A woman in her 20s with moderate symptoms recovering at home.

 “Community spread is occurring throughout the Houston region, including Fort Bend County. Community members need to follow the social distancing ordinances issued by local, regional, and state leaders seriously. They are in place to help keep our residents safe and to minimize the impact on our healthcare system,” said Dr. Minter, Fort Bend County Health & Human Services Director and Local Health Authority. “If you are not sick, you do not need to be tested.”

What you can do:

1. Do not go to the emergency room unless essential.Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
2. If you are in good health and have mild illness, stay home, and take care of yourself like you would for the flu.
   1. If symptoms worsen, call your doctor. Your doctor will help make the decision whether you should get tested for COVID-19
3. Practice healthy hygiene habits every day to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, such as:
   1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
   2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
   3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
   4. Stay home when you are sick.
   5. Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
   6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
4. Take care of your mental wellbeing during the outbreak of COVID-19. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Things you can do to support yourself:
   1. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
   2. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
   3. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
   4. Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
   5. If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call
      66746. Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
      66747. People with deafness or hearing loss can use their preferred relay service to call 1-800-985-5990.
   6. Reach out to your family, friends, or neighbors that may be vulnerable, while maintaining social distance. Leave a note under their door to brighten their day or ask them if they need any groceries, medications, or supplies picked up.
   7. Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@FortBendHealth) and check our website for regular updates (fbchealth.org/ncov)

Privacy protection laws only permit the release of limited patient information. The health department is unable to release any additional patient information.

 

 Contact: Yaneth Calderon     P: 281-238-3551     C:832-473-2444     yaneth.calderon@fortbendcountytx.gov

ALL COUNTY OFFICES ARE CLOSED TO PUBLIC FOR FACE TO FACE BUSINESS. PLEASE VISIT THE FORT BEND COUNTY WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HOW ESSENTIAL BUSINESS IS BEING HANDLED PER DEPARTMENT – WWW.FORTBENDCOUNTYTX.GOV

 

FBC Closure updates