COVID-19 – Coronavirus Information

I heard the Texas governor has updated business openings including bars:

Bars can open up to 50% capacity beginning October 14.
Authority has been given to county judges to decide whether to open at all, but if they choose to, the capacity cannot exceed 50%.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo responded saying, “gatherings should not take place right now.”

I heard the Texas governor is increasing capacity for many businesses:

The governor is allowing many businesses to increase capacity from 50% to 75% (except for 3 of 22 hospital regions – the Rio Grande valley, Laredo and Victoria) starting Monday September 21.
Retail stores, restaurants, office buildings and other businesses are included.
Hospitals can offer normal elective procedures again.
Nursing homes and assisted living centers can reopen for visitation under certain conditions, starting September 24th.
For more information go to gov.texas.gov

I heard there’s a state-wide mask order:

All Texans are now required to wear masks or face coverings in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases.
It’s required inside businesses and when in an outdoor public area, when not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from someone not in the same household.
Mayors and County Judges can impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people.
There are similar exceptions as before regarding masks. People exercising, driving alone, or eating won’t be required to wear them.
First time violators will get a warning, for second or subsequent offenses, you can face a $250 fine.
More information.

I heard the Harris County Judge has a threat-level system” for COVID-19//I heard the Harris County Stay at Home order has ended:

The Harris County Judge has issued a public threat level system for the spread of COVID-19.
The system measures the coronavirus threat on a numerical scale with Level 1/red representing the highest threat and Level 4/green the lowest threat.
Houston area public officials ask residents to continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
The Harris County stay at home order has expired and the Judge has not said if a new order will be issued.
For more information/to check the threat level, please go to readyharris.org

I heard the Governor is reopening Texas:

The governor’s stay home orders have expired. This means you can leave your home without restrictions. The state orders supersede local orders.
There is a state-wide mask order.
The governor recommends those over 65 years remain at home.
Most businesses are open (see above).
For more info, go to dshs.state.tx.us

I heard something about an order to wear masks:

See above – there is a state-wide mask order.
Social distancing and limiting the size of gatherings are also recommended.
You can use a bandana, t-shirt, or scarf.
If you need a mask, you can get one through Masks for All.

HEARD ON-AIR:

I heard it on the Morning Show – info about news from the Morning Show:

I heard information about a new COVID financial-relief program:

Harris County has launched a new COVID-19 relief program. The Emergency Direct Assistance Fund is budgeted at $40 million and is available to any county resident.
To qualify, you must be able to prove pandemic-related hardship like unpaid bills and meet the required financial threshold – one member of the household must be enrolled in a public assistance program or the total household income must be less than 60% of the Area Median Family Income.
Applicants may apply online at CatholicCharitiesHelp.org during the public application, which is Nov. 2 – 6.

I heard information on where to vote:

To find a place to vote visit harrisvotes.com.

I heard there is a moratorium on evictions:

The CDC has issued a nation-wide temporary eviction moratorium for certain tenants through December 31, 2020.
This will stop certain tenants who qualify from getting evicted.
To find out if you qualify you can visit houstontx.gov

I heard about help for Small Businesses in Houston:

Houston has launched the Small Business Economic Relief Program. Small business owners can apply for a grant.
The $15 million program will provide immediate and short-term assistance to small businesses and chambers of commerce that have been impacted by the pandemic.
To find out if your business is eligible visit cityofhouston-sberp.org.

I heard about help paying rent:

If you need help paying rent The Baker Ripley COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program might be an option.
It’s funded by Harris County and the City of Houston.
Millions will be distributed to participating landlords on behalf of eligible tenants.
For more info and how to apply visit bakerripleyrenthelp.org.

I heard about help paying my electric bill:

If you’ve lost your job and can’t afford to pay your electricity bill, you may enroll in the Public Utility Commission of Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program
It will temporarily suspend power being shutoff and offer some payment help.
If you’re receiving unemployment benefits through the Texas Workforce Commission, you qualify.
To learn more, go to abc13.com

I heard about help for Fort Bend County small businesses:

Fort Bend County has small business grants available for entrepreneurs and free consulting services to help businesses who are struggling.
The initiative will serve small businesses — specifically minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses.
The program has already approved funds for 2,000 businesses that have applied.
To apply visit fortbendentrepreneur.com.

I heard about trials in Houston for a COVID-19 vaccine:

A Houston research firm has been selected for COVID-19 vaccine trials.
They’re asking for volunteers to be a part of it – the vaccine does not have the virus in it.
Participants would take the vaccine, journal any symptoms they experience, and have regular checkups with researchers.
Volunteers interested in participating can visit houstonfightscovid.com

I heard my hand sanitizer might have dangerous ingredients:

The FDA has issued a warning about hand sanitizer that have dangerous amounts of poisonous methanol, or wood alcohol in them.
Visit fda.gov for more info and exact brands.

I heard about an airbag recall:

The largest airbag recall in history started back in 2013, but still 400,000 Houstonians haven’t taken their cars into the dealership to get a free replacement.
Experts say the chances of the airbags exploding in our humidity is even higher.
To see if your cars airbag is safe visit SaferCar.gov.

I heard MD Anderson needs blood donations for cancer patients:

MD Anderson needs blood for cancer patients who require large amounts of blood – the need at MDA is more than any other hospital in the U.S.
To make an appointment to donate blood, go to mdandersonbloodbank.org

I heard about where to donate my bike:

You can donate your beat up and broken bike to Recycled Cycles of Texas.
It will be fixed and given to kids, people who work in the service industry, and people who are homeless.
Find out more at recycledcyclesoftexas.com

I heard there’s money available for low-income Texas families:

Low-income families on the SNAP program may be getting an extra $285 in federal aid per child – this is automatic you don’t need to apply.
It helps to make up for free/reduced price meals missed when schools closed.
This is being extended to any family who gets free/reduced meals at school.
To apply, ask your school district about the P-EBT program (Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer) or call 833-613-6220.

I heard there’s financial help for people in Harris County:

$30 million is available to help Harris County residents.
Eligible include survivors of domestic violence, those in homeless shelters, and youth who’ve aged out of foster care.
For more info visit the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
If you need immediate assistance, call 211

I heard the driver license office is open now:

Driver license offices are opening region by region with limited service.
Customers who currently do not possess a Texas DL, CDL, learner permit or ID card, as well those who are in need of a driving test will be serviced.
You can book your appointment online by visiting dps.texas.gov.

I heard blood donors are needed:

Surgeries have resumed in Houston and the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center says they are in critical need of blood donations.
If you are healthy, the Blood Center is asking you to schedule an appointment at giveblood.org.
Appointments are spaced out to assist with social distancing.
Donor blood will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.

I heard about how to get my stimulus check:

If you haven’t received your stimulus check, you won’t be getting the money in the form of a physical check at all.
Nearly four million payments will be paid via prepaid Visa debit cards—which can be used anywhere Visa is accepted—you will also be able to withdraw cash from in-network ATMs, and transfer money to your personal bank account without fees.
Questions: call (800) 919-9835.

I heard about a way to find out if items are in stock at the store:

Two University of Texas students designed a website called Instok.org.
Instok allows users to search for items based on zip codes.

I heard about help with my mortgage:

If you have a federally backed loan, your monthly payments can be skipped under the news CARES Act
You will not have to repay skipped payments in a big lump sum
There are options for repayment
You can find out if you have a federally backed mortgage using Fannie Mae’s look-up tool.
If you need help, call your mortgage company back and ask for it.

I heard about help with my groceries with NextDoor and Walmart:

Walmart and Nextdoor have a new program called “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”
Nextdoor members can get help shopping for essential items at Walmart from a neighbor already planning a trip to their local store.
For more info go to nextdoor.com or the nextdoor app.

I heard something about where to find job openings in Texas:

Nearly 500,000 jobs are available across Texas.
Connect with Workforce Solutions or go to workintexas.com and search for a job by city or zip code.

I heard there’s a food program for people with disabilities:

Non-perishable food, produce, and basic home necessities will be delivered to disabled people (who are finding it hard to get these items).
If you need assistance visit houstontx.gov or call 832-394-0814.

I heard there is more COVID-19 testing available:

For info on testing sites, go to readyharris.org/get-tested
(See more detailed info at the end of this page)

I heard I can get help/food from The Houston Food Bank:

Those looking for help can visit houstonfoodbank.org/COVID19 or
Call the help hotline at 832-369-9390 to locate other food pantries.

I heard about a new way to file for unemployment:

The Texas Workforce Commission has a new app to apply for benefits DoNotPay is a free app and website
People can insert information on their smart phone and the app will mail the data to the unemployment office.

I heard about a website to report price gouging:

To report price-gouging, go to harriscountycao.org

I heard about more loans being offered for small businesses:

There are now $50 million in new loans for Texas small businesses.
Go to liftfund.com to apply

I have recovered from COVID-19 and heard my plasma is needed:

Yes, if you’ve been recovered for more than two weeks, your plasma is needed for an experimental therapy.
There is a form to fill out. You can find it by going to the KSBJ Morning Show Facebook page.

I heard I can get free WIFI:

For low-income students who need WIFI to home school
Xfinity is offering their hotspots for free for students nationwide
To find one near you visit hotspots.wifi.xfinity.com.

MISCELLANEOUS INFO:

I heard about a number I can text to get area info/updates on COVID-19. What is it?

Text CV19 to 888777. This is the Harris County Office of Emergency Management notification system for COVID-19 updates.

FOOD RESOURCES:

Those looking for help can visit houstonfoodbank.org/COVID19 or Call the help hotline at 832-369-9390 to locate other food pantries.
Salvation Army support and coronavirus (COVID-19) resources – help finding essentials like food, household items, emotional support, and activities for families in isolation
Info about State of Texas Health and Human Services programs, including health clinics, food programs, aging, disabilities, indigent programs, and more
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | USDA-FNS – SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.

I heard there’s a food program for people with disabilities:

Non-perishable food, produce, and basic home necessities will be delivered to disabled people (who are finding it hard to get these items).
If you need assistance visit houstontx.gov or call 832-394-0814

I have a small business. How can I get a loan?

SMALL BUSINESS LOANS

I heard about more loans being offered for small businesses:

There are now $50million in new loans for Texas small businesses
Go to liftfund.com to apply

I lost my job. What do I do? How do I file for unemployment:

You can apply for unemployment benefits by calling the Texas Workforce Commission at 800-939-6631 Mon-Fri 8 AM – 6 PM or go here.

The Texas Workforce Commission has a new app to apply for benefits DoNotPay is a free app and website
People can insert information on their smart phone and the app will mail the data to the unemployment office.
Connect with Workforce Solutions and search for a job by city or zip code

An additional list of resources if you lost your job

Where can I get general information on resources and food, etc.?

Info on COVID-19, map of outbreak, community resources, myth-busters, where to report price gouging
Salvation Army support and coronavirus (COVID-19) resources – help finding essentials like food, household items, emotional support, and activities for families in isolation
Info about State of Texas Health and Human Services programs, including health clinics, food programs, aging, disabilities, indigent programs, and more
A group called Crowd Source Rescue is offering no contact food deliveries for seniors. They need volunteers. To volunteer or to request food

I’m an essential employee and must work. Are any daycares open?

The YMCA has daycares open for children of essential employees.

Find Childcare Now

It links Houston-area essential workers with child-care providers. It also helps with some childcare expenses for low-income families.

What about renter’s rights – can I be evicted during coronavirus?

The Texas Supreme Court issued an emergency order barring evictions at this time.

There’s a city of Houston program providing $15 million for renters’ relief.

Register
The money will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

Where can I get more information on coronavirus?

HELPFUL WEBSITES

Info on COVID-19, map of outbreak, community resources, myth-busters, where to report price gouging

Harris Co Emergency website with info on COVID 19 – list of facilities/public areas with restricted access, disaster checklists, pet preparedness

CDC updates on the national outbreak of coronavirus, health information, preventing illness, what to do if you’re sick

Government website with information on the coronavirus, how to protect yourself and your family, and national info/resources

Q&A/Info on COVID-19 from a physician

Where can I get information on volunteer opportunities/ways to help others?

Volunteer Houston – places to volunteer and help others – of note – social distancing is recommended by all authorities and should be practiced by all when volunteering

Houston Responds – umbrella organization working with churches and non-profits to respond to disasters including COVID 19, to give helpful info churches and non-profits to navigate the crisis, and to help organize volunteers to serve the community

**They are now asking for churches to help make and donate one-million masks.

Crowd Source Rescue is offering no contact food deliveries for seniors. They need volunteers.

CORONAVIRUS TESTING:

I heard that anyone in Houston can now get a COVID-19 test, whether they have symptoms or not?

Houston’s drive-through sites are testing anyone who wants it, whether or not they have symptoms, free of charge
You MUST call first – call 832-393-4220 between 9 AM – 7 PM to get a unique code and instructions where to go

I heard there is a new screening tool to figure out whether I should be tested:

You can take a self-assessment to determine whether you should get a test
Go to covidcheck.hctx.net

Where is a list of sites across Texas?

Go to Ready Harris

Where are other testing sites/Can I get tested?

Public COVID 19 testing sites are now open; go to the above link for sites across the Houston area and Texas.

**For local government testing sites, you must go first call the Houston Health Department COVID-19 call center at 832-393-4220 or 832-927-7575 to get screened BEFORE going to get tested
Bring ID for anyone getting tested.
Most are free (or will accept insurance copays)

Are there any phone numbers to call for COVID-19 information?

Not all counties have phone numbers. Here is what is available:

Call 211 for state-wide information and services on COVID-19 and for various state services and resources including food, housing, etc.
HARRIS COUNTY ASK MY NURSE/TRIAGE LINE – for those without access to healthcare: 713-634-1110
COVID CALL CENTERS:
Houston: 832-393-4220
Fort Bend Co: 281-633-7795
Harris Co: 832-927-7575