CORONAVIRUS
The daily total, the third highest in the county's history, came as Texas confirmed a total of 8,076 new cases overall, a new high for the state. (Community Impact Newspaper staff)
Harris County coronavirus count: 1,437 new cases confirmed July 1 as Texas Medical Center pushes into ICU surge capacity
Tapped DraftHouse & Kitchen remains open as a restaurant, although dine-in capacity is back down to 50%. (Courtesy Tapped DraftHouse & Kitchen)
The Woodlands businesses react to reduced capacities, closures
The county has now recorded 2,257 total COVID-19 cases, including 917 that are currently active. (Community Impact staff)
Montgomery County marks highest single-day increases of new, active COVID-19 cases July 1
Harper's Landing Pool in The Woodlands closed July 1. (Courtesy The Woodlands Township)
The Woodlands Township closes Harper's Landing Pool due to staffing challenges
The City of Galveston has decided to close all beaches for the 4th of July weekend. (Hannah Zedaker/Community Impact Newspaper)
Galveston closes beaches for Fourth of July weekend
Texas Medical Center entered Phase 2 surge levels as of July 1. (Courtesy Texas Medical Center)
Texas Medical Center enters Phase 2 of capacity plan as COVID-19 ICU use continues to rise
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announces a partnership between the city, Harris County and a team of nonprofits to address chronic homelessness at a July 1 press conference. (Screenshot courtesy Zoom)
Updated: Harris County, Houston commit $58 million to program that could "functionally end chronic homelessness" in the county
The report comes as Texas, like states across the country, puzzles through decisions on what the upcoming academic year will look like for students and staff. (Courtesy Pixabay)
Texas Education Agency: 1 in 10 students have disengaged during the pandemic
While there are many unknowns regarding public education operations next year, one thing is for certain: Students will be required to take the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR test. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)
Students to be required to take STAAR test in 2020-21 school year
The number of COVID-19 patients in general ward hospitals in Harris County hit a new high mark for the 10th straight day, while intensive care unit occupancy neared its previous high. (Community Impact Newspaper staff)
Harris County coronavirus count: 7-day average of new cases drops, but hospitalizations continue to rise
The order requires anyone age 10 or older to wear face coverings while patronizing businesses that serve the public. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)
Harris County disaster declaration, mask order extended through Aug. 26
Montgomery County Commissioners Court
Montgomery County approves extending homelessness assistance deadline, acquiring building for families
H-E-B officials confirmed via email June 30 that all stores will require shoppers and employees to wear masks beginning July 1. (Nicholas Cicale/Community Impact Newspaper)
H-E-B to require all shoppers to wear masks amid coronavirus
Umair Shah, Harris County Public Health director, urged local residents to follow health and safety protocols. (Courtesy Pexels)
Harris County health director: Health, safety must be prioritized when reopening businesses
Texans receiving unemployment benefits will have a little extra time before they have to prove they are actively looking for work to continue receiving state assistance. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)
Work search requirement paused for Texans on unemployment benefits