Fellow Houstonians,

Over the years our city has proven to be able to overcome any challenge that has presented itself. Time after time we have persevered and rose above every storm or crisis that has come our way. In the aftermath, through collective strength and unmatched will, we have shown resiliency and remained Houston Strong.

 
And as we have done many times before, we as a city must now come together again to contain and eventually suppress the coronavirus.

COVID-19 is a new virus. We are all in uncharted territory. This is a fluid, and ever evolving situation. I understand how difficult it is to keep up with the most up to date information, and even more difficult to gauge how serious this has become. I ask that everyone please take every precaution and preventative measure to ensure we are doing all we can to combat the coronavirus. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention have advised to not convene social gatherings of more than 10 people and I advise to comply with this policy in as prudent a manner as possible.

With such a sudden and drastic change to our every day routines, I know it will cause frustration, inconvenience, uncertainty, and personal and financial hardships for us all. I will be working diligently with my colleagues at the local, state, and national level to put forth measures to aid our communities as much as possible. I will also continue to disseminate current updates to keep you abreast of any relevant and necessary information.

What I love most about Houston is that when we are faced with what seems like insurmountable odds, we bet on each other and we always pull through. There is nothing that we cannot defeat. There is nothing we cannot overcome. As long as we put community before self and do what we can to protect our families and our neighbors, we will pull through this crisis, like the many that have come before, and come out on the other side more united than ever.

May God bless you all.

 
VIDEO: Remarks from City Council Session, March 17, 2020
Click the image below to view the video.
 

Council Member Edward Pollard speaks on leadership in Houston regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

 
District J Drive-Thru Testing Center
If you have coronavirus symptoms and would like to get tested, below is a drive-thru testing location we have identified within District J that is providing screenings. We will work to provide an updated list on additional testing centers as the information becomes available.

My Family Doctor
6430 Hillcroft Ave., Houston, TX 77081
(832) 709-1515
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
https://www.covid19drivethru.com/

 
Coronavirus Updates

Below are links to some of the latest headlines to help you make decisions and navigate the c
oronavirus pandemic.
 

HISD offers curbside pickup service in partnership with the Houston Food Bank.
HISD extends district-wide school closure through April 10.
METRO puts more buses in service, cuts seats by 50 percent.
Mayor Sylvester Turner suspends water service disconnections to help protect community from COVID-19.
President Donald Trump discusses sending checks to Americans.
AT&T providing unlimited internet and distance learning assistance.
 

 
RESOURCES

City of Houston
Website: Houstonemergency.org
Call Center: (832) 393-4220
Monday – Friday,  9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
 
Harris County Health
Website: publichealth.harriscountytx.gov
Phone: (713) 566-3600
 
Texas Medical Center
Website: memorialhermann.org
Phone: (713) 791-8800
 
Texas Department of State Health Services
Website: dshs.texas.gov 
Phone: (888) 963-7111
 
Houston Apartment Association
Website: haaonline.org 
Phone: (713) 595-0316
 
City of Houston 311 Help & Info.
Website: www.houstontx.gov/311
Phone – 311

We will continue to provide pertinent coronavirus updates as information becomes available.