Updated 5:10 p.m., March 25
As Fort Bend County is into its first day of the 'Stay Home to Save Lives' order from Judge KP George and the department of health and human services, the case number in the county is up to 54 as of March 25.
There were eight additional cases counted March 25 and one additional recovery, bringing the recovery count up to five.
One week ago, the case count in Fort Bend County was 12. However, as more tests become available, county officials say they expect those case counts to exponentially increase.
Of the 54 cases, 26% remain hospitalized and 65% are at home recovering. The five recovered cases account for the additional 9%.
For more information, visit https://www.fbchealth.org/ncov/.
Updated 10:16 a.m., March 24
Fort Bend County reported 13 additional cases of coronavirus March 23, bringing the total count up to 42 cases countywide.
The county is slowly seeing some patients recover, and few patients remain hospitalized. According to Fort Bend County Health and Human Services, 34 of the 42 cases are patients recovering at home; four patients are hospitalized; and four patients have recovered.
Data from the department shows 62% of cases were found in people age 50 and older.
Fort Bend County Health and Human Services continues to monitor this outbreak.
Posted 2:33 p.m., March 23
Fort Bend County
The latest local news from County Judge KP George was from late March 20, ordering gyms, fitness centers and any other facilities used for training, martial arts or sports to close through April 3 in an attempt to flatten the curve associated with cases of COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by the coronavirus.
Hair and nail salons, massage parlors, tattoo parlors, movie theaters, game rooms and bingo halls were also added to the list of businesses ordered to close. The order does not apply to grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies and banks, but these establishments are encouraged to comply with necessary precautions.
George posted the following statement on Facebook around midnight March 21: "Scientific models and real-life experiences from places like Italy, have shown without drastic action, the spread of COVID-19 from a small percentage of the population can exponentially rise. We need to 'flatten the curve' or use protective practices to slow the rate of COVID-19 infections over time and throughout the community, so hospitals have the room, supplies, and doctors for all the patients who need intensive care. We must slow the spread to make sure our limited ICU facilities in the region do not get overwhelmed. We also cannot risk our medical staff or first responders getting the novel corona virus. That is why, after the Governor’s Executive Order, I issued an updated Order in Fort Bend County to ensure more social distancing—the only known tool to fight community spread of COVID19."
This order will be in effect until April 3. Restaurants may still serve curbside, takeout or delivery options, including alcohol sales. Access to Fort Bend County, offices and facilities have been limited to essential functions only. Residents are also ordered not to congregate in groups of more than 10, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Read the full updated order here.
Fort Bend ISD
Fort Bend ISD officials announced March 22 an employee in his 50s has been hospitalized with COVID-19. The employee worked in the district’s warehouse located at 555 Julie Rivers Drive, Sugar Land.
The warehouse employee traveled domestically for spring break and did not report to work when he returned. The warehouse will be closed until further notice with only one or two staff members reporting for essential duty, according to a March 22 release from the district.
It has been determined the end of the incubation period for anyone who may have been exposed to the employee is March 26.
For more coronavirus-related updates from the district, click here.
Sugar Land and Missouri City
Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman issued an update March 20 encouraging residents to avoid large crowds and practice social distancing.
The city has not shut down, and grocery stores remain open. The city has followed guidelines the county has put forth as far as business closures go. However, restaurants are still able to offer curbside and drive-thru services, and local businesses that have not been asked to close can remain open as long as no more than 10 people congregate inside.
Manufacturers in Sugar Land remain open, and workers are practicing social distancing with modified shifts, Zimmerman said.
To keep up with updates from Sugar Land, click here.
In Missouri City, Mayor Yolanda Ford also issued an update March 20, noting that the city is recommending the same guidelines that have been put forth by the state, Fort Bend County and Harris County.
Residents are encouraged to work remotely or practice social distancing if they cannot work from home. Residents are also encouraged not to gather in groups of more than 10 and to disinfect objects such as doorknobs and cell phones frequently.
“Our city is open for business,” Ford said in a release from March 20. “Many of our local restaurants are still open and offering drive-thru, carryout and delivery options. If you are able to, please support them as they need our assistance.”
For more information from Missouri City, click here.
