City of Katy, TX

Green is the level of guidance reflecting minimal and controlled level of COVID-19 in Fort Bend County.  New chains of transmission are rare.  The public health guidance is resume normal contact with others unless sick. 

Too see the full guidance and more information on all risk levels visit: https://www.coronavirusfortbend.gov/government-orders/fort-bend-county-covid-19-community-risk-level-5/

 

Vaccines & Immunizations:

 If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, find a vaccine. (CDC resource) 

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can do things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.

These recommendations can help you make decisions about daily activities after you are fully vaccinated. They are not intended for healthcare settings.

Visit cdc.gov for more information on what you can do if you've been fully vaccinated. 

Governor Abbott Lifts Mask Mandate, Opens Texas 100 Percent

Governor Greg Abbott has issued an Executive Order (GA-34) lifting the mask mandate in Texas and increasing capacity of all businesses and facilities in the state to 100 percent.

This executive order rescinds most of the Governor's earlier Executive Orders related to COVID-19. Effective Wednesday, March 10, 2021, all businesses of any type may open to 100% capacity. Additionally, this order ends the statewide mask mandate in Texas. Businesses may still limit capacity or implement additional safety protocols at their own discretion.

If COVID-19 hospitalizations in any of the 22 hospital regions in Texas get above 15% of the hospital bed capacity in that region for seven straight days, a County Judge in that region may use COVID-19 mitigation strategies. However, County Judges may not impose criminal penalties for not following COVID-19 orders nor may penalties be imposed for failing to wear a face mask. If restrictions are imposed at a County level, those restrictions may not include reducing capacity to less than 50% for any type of entity.

Read the Press Release.

Open Texas Checklists

Updated Guidance for Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Individuals

DSHS has revised the guidance for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Updated June 9, 2021

• Day and Overnight Youth Camp Operators and Families

Updated May 24, 2021

• Child Care Centers
• Child Care Families

From the Texas Education Agency

• School Year 2020-2021 Planning Guidance
• School Year 2020-2021 Attendance and Enrollment FAQ

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The Governor’s Report to Open Texas

“As we open Texas, we are each called upon to be Texans: to act responsibly as we re-engage in the economy, to continue following all health precautions and sanitizing guidelines, and to care for our vulnerable neighbors. Lives depend on our actions. I know you will respond as Texans.” – Governor Greg Abbott

View the April 27, 2020 Report

NOTE: The checklists in this report are no longer current. See the NEW checklists above.

Sourced from open.texas.gov on July 27, 2021. 

Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People 

Fully vaccinated people with no COVID-19 symptoms do not need to be tested following an exposure to someone with COVID-19.

SUMMARY OF RECENT CHANGES Updated as of July 27, 2021 from cdc.gov

• Updated information for fully vaccinated people given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant currently circulating in the United States.
• Added a recommendation for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
• Added information that fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated.
• Added a recommendation for fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
• CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status

For additional information and key points visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html 

Recommendations for Unvaccinated People

Who should get tested for current infection

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
• Most people who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
  • People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered do not need to get tested following an exposure as long as they do not develop new symptoms.
• Unvaccinated people who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot physically distance as needed to avoid exposure, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded or poorly-ventilated indoor settings.
• People who have been asked or referred to get tested by their healthcare provider, or state, tribal, localexternal icon, or territorial health department.

CDC recommends that anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.

Find COVID-19 testing near you.Testing sites have specific instructions for getting tested. On the map, click on a testing site to see their instructions. 

Anyone who is sick needs to stay home. To protect yourself, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue or inside elbow and maintain a distance of about from 6 feet or more from others. This is only an assessment tool and does not replace medical advice from a healthcare provider.

For questions or concerns contact the county you reside in: 

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
www.fbchealth.org/ncov
281-633-7795

Harris County Public Health
www.readyharris.org/Get-Tested
832-927-7575

Waller County
www.co.waller.tx.us/page/EM.COVID-19
979-826-7700

For the general public

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, use the elbow of your sleeve. Don’t use your hands to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Even if you are not ill, avoid visiting hospitals, long-term care facilities or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you do need to visit one of these facilities, limit your time there and keep six feet away from patients.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially if you are at higher risk for coronavirus.
• Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.
• Clean household surfaces with standard cleaners.

For people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 Illness

People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places and gatherings of more than 10 people where there will be close contact with others. Gatherings of seniors or other people at higher risk of severe illness should be canceled or postponed until health authorities have sufficient evidence it is safe to convene. Those at higher risk include:

• People 60 and older.
• People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• People with underlying health conditions (e.g. cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, mellitus, etc.)
• People who have weakened immune systems (HIV/AIDs, autoimmune disorders, etc.)
• Pregnant women.
• Caregivers of children with underlying health conditions should consult with their child’s healthcare providers about whether their children should quarantine.

Individuals that are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness should take actions to reduce their risk of becoming ill.

• Ensure enough supplies for you and your family.
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between themself and others.
• When in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash hands often.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible.
• Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
• During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce the risk of being exposed.

Have supplies on hand:

• Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
• If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
• Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most healthier young people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
• Ensure your healthcare provider is aware of your symptoms if they arise
• Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.

Community Resources

HARRIS COUNTY RECOVERY ASSISTANCE
Administered by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston 

The Fund is open to all eligible low-income Harris County residents. The application will be open July 28 - August 11, any eligible household in Harris County may apply online here.  (https://www.harriscountyrelief.org/application-assistance/) 

Harris County partnered with Catholic Charities as the administrator for $30 million in financial assistance to help Harris County families and individuals who need help recovering from financial distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• For households located within Harris County that meet eligibility requirements
• One-time $1,500 payment
• Funds may be used for any emergency expenses such as healthcare, rent or mortgage, utilities, food, internet, transportation, childcare, and other past due expenses

• Households have to be within Harris County.
• Applicants must be 18 years or older, or be an emancipated minor.
• Households must demonstrate economic hardship incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Household must have at least one member enrolled in a public assistance program, or total household income at or below 60% of the HUD Area Median Family Income.
• One payment will be made per family unit. If housing is shared by more than one family unit, each family unit may apply.
• As required by federal guidelines, at least one adult member of the household must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, refugee, or other qualified noncitizen.

Crisis Counseling

Texans Recovering Together - 936- 521-6331. An COVID-19 Outreach Program that is completely FREE and has trained professionals available to assist you in the recovery process for the following:

• Personal or financial losses
• Emotional trauma or distress
• Physical or Mental Health issues
• Physical abuse
• Increased  substance or alcohol  use
• Unemployment
• Legal issues
• Heightened anger or frustration
• Social withdrawal
• Or just feel the need for support and local assistance?

For more information: English Flyer & Spanish Flyer

Domestic Violence

National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233, (800) 787-3224 (TTY), or text LOVEIS to 22522

Economic Impact Payments

• Information on receiving your stimulus payment from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service
• Track your payment

Food Resources

• Apply for SNAP Food Benefits
• Find Student Meals: Texas Education Agency

Older Adults and Caregivers

The Aging Services Council of Central Texas have prepared a list of COVID-19 related resources for older adults. Visit the website for a list of resources or call the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center at 855.937.2372.

Small Business

The U.S. Small Business Administration has multiple programs to assist business owners and their employees weather the economic storm caused by COVID-19 SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. In addition, the Paycheck Protection Program offers loans to help business retain their employees.

• SBA COVID-19 Small Business Guidance
• SBA Paycheck Protection Program

Student Loans Payments

On March 27, 2020, the president signed the CARES Act into law, which, among other things, provides broad relief for federal student loan borrowers. If you’re concerned about your studies or loan repayment, Federal Student Aid can help you understand what to do.  (Extended to September 30, 2021)

Suicide Prevention

If you are having thoughts of suicide, talk to someone who cares. Dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 (TALK)

Unemployment - Apply for Unemployment Benefits

Trusted Information Sources

Follow the following agencies for factual information about COVID-19:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • About the 2019 Novel Coronavirus
  • Prevention and Treatment
  • Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
• Texas Department of Health and Human Services
• Fort Bend Health and Human Services
• Harris County Public Health
• Waller County
• World Health Organization
• U.S. Department of State – Travel

Call Centers

These call centers have been established to answers any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19.

Texas Department of State Health Services
1-877-570-9779
7AM - 6PM, Monday-Friday 

Harris County Public Health (HCPH)
832-927-7575*
9AM - 7PM, Everyday

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
281-633-7795
8AM - 5PM, Monday-Friday