Harris, Fort Bend and Waller counties reported a total of 436 confirmed positive coronavirus cases in seven Katy-area ZIP codes April 21, up from 405 on April 20. The counties are not providing the total number of public and private tests administered by the ZIP code level.

Katy area

Katy-area social workers are worried about the consequences for children in neglectful or abusive households and victims of domestic violence stuck at home with limited resources. Read more about it here.

Fort Bend County

Commissioners Court approved a resolution supporting taxpayer relief April 21. Meanwhile, the auditor projects an $11 million-$14 million revenue loss to the county due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Houston area

It will take months for the Houston economy to recover from the oil price collapse, experts say. Social distancing and stay-at-home orders have contributed to a demand decrease, taking the global demand for oil down from 100 million barrels a day to about 75 million barrels a day.

Meanwhile, passenger data shows Houston airports saw about 50% decline in travelers when comparing March 2020 to March 2019.

The HCA Healthcare Foundation announced it would distribute $150,000 in grants, including the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund.

Mental health experts are also worried about rising suicide rates in the region due to the coronavirus.

State

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the spread of the virus is beginning to level off. He will announce a new executive order April 27 intended to outline some of the next steps in reopening Texas.

Members of child care-focused nonprofits and advocacy groups around the state emphasized the need for state investment in early education at a virtual roundtable discussion.