HOUSTON — We are continuing to track the latest headlines and updates regarding the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Get the latest updates and top headlines below.
Today's top headlines
- House passes $2.2T rescue package, rushes to Trump for signing
- Hundreds of thousands of masks and medical supplies seized in SE Houston
- Answers to your questions about the stimulus package, including who gets the money and how much
- Stimulus check calculator: See how much you'll likely be getting
- Rice University team develops desperately needed low-cost ventilator
- Traveling to Texas from coronavirus hotspots? You'll be required to self-quarantine for 14 days once you get here
List: Where you can get tested | Map: Local COVID-19 cases | How to file for unemployment | Coronavirus symptoms | FAQ
Latest updates
Here are the latest updates from around the Houston area and the world (all times are Central/Houston time):
March 27 10:42 p.m. — The owner of a southeast Houston auction house where county officials seized 750,000 masks that were set to go to auction tells reporter Grace White that it was all a misunderstanding. Read the full story here.
March 27 9:47 p.m. — The Houston Fire Department has sent 71 firefighters to quarantine. Of those, 17 were unable to do so at home, so they're being housed in a hotel rented by HFD. Earlier Friday, Fire Chief Sam Pena said a Houston firefighter tested positive for COVID-19.
March 27 9:43 p.m. — If you're a homeowner or renter and you're concerned with how you're going to pay for housing, there's government grants that can help. The stimulus package passed by Congress Friday includes a 120-day moratorium on evictions by landlords with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae, HUD, Freddie Mac, the rural housing voucher program, or the Violence Against Women Act of 1994.
For renters, there are ways to get help from the government through grants. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs receives “emergency solutions grants” which can help people who are homeless or at-risk of being homeless. The TDHCA often redistributes those grants to city and/or county agencies. Read more here.
March 27 7:47 p.m. — Some Houston athletes are stepping up to help the heroes on the front line in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, along with laid off workers who are suffering because of it. Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa and his foundation donated $500,000 in medical equipment to the City of Houston, and Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson made two big donations Friday to provide meals for hundreds of Houstonians on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.
March 27 7:45 p.m. — The city of Galveston has issued three new orders and extended emergency orders through 5 p.m. on April 3. The new orders include:
- Preventing any short-term rentals throughout the city.
- Prohibiting RV parks from leasing spaces for fewer than 30 days.
- Ordering all hotels and bed-and-breakfast businesses to close. Guests currently staying either one must check out by 10 a.m. Saturday.
March 27 5:45 p.m. — We were there as around 750,000 masks and other supplies that had been up for auction were seized in southeast Houston. Most of the masks are in poor condition, but Harris County plans to buy the masks that are usable.
March 27 5:32 p.m. — Three of five confirmed coronavirus cases in Wharton County are most likely linked to one individual, according to the Wharton County Office of Emergency Management.
On Thursday, public heath officials confirmed to additional cases including a Matagorada Regional Medical Center employee who was exposed at work and a boy under the age of 10 living in El Campo.
The child was living in a home where another person tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week. That patient also had contact recently with an individual who had traveled domestically.
The healthcare work and the boy are in self-quarantine, officials said.
March 27 5:09 p.m. — Fort Bend Health and Human Human Services reports that 15 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed. The overall total is now 101, including one death and eight individuals who are in recovery. Read more here.
March 27 5:09 p.m. — Chambers County Public Health is reporting one new case of COVID-19 in the area. The individual is a male patient between 50-60 years old. He lives in east Chambers County and is in good condition. His case is not travel related, officials said.
This represents the third positive case in Chambers County.
March 27 4:40 p.m. — The Texas Medical Center has announced a new policy prohibiting most visitation at its hospitals and clinics. The new visitation policy grants exceptions in most special cases such pediatric hospital visits and visitation for patients with terminal conditions, which for the most part, has already been limited to one pre-screened adult at most medical facilities.
TMC officials said each hospital will be allowed to consider exceptions for patients in NICU, maternity and postpartum units, as well as life-saving care.
“We recognize that this is difficult for families who want to be with their relatives who are hospitalized, but it has become critical that we keep the number of people in clinical settings to a minimum,” TMC President and CEO William McKeon said. “These actions are being taken to maximize our member institutions’ ability to protect patients, their families, and, critically, healthcare providers.” Read more here.
March 27 3:55 p.m. — A Houston police officer has been hospitalized after testing positive for the coronavirus. The officer is one of four officers diagnosed with COVID-19, according to a tweet from Police Chief Art Acevedo. The others are recovering at home.
March 27 3:55 p.m. — President Trump has signed a $2.2. trillion rescue package, tossing a life preserver to a U.S. economy and health care system left flailing by the coronavirus pandemic.
The House approved the sweeping measure by a voice vote, as strong majorities of both parties lined up behind the most colossal economic relief bill in the nation's history. It will send payments of up to $1,200 to millions of Americans, bolster unemployment benefits, offer loans, grants and tax breaks to businesses large and small and flush billions more to states, local governments and the nation's all but overwhelmed health care system.
RELATED: Answers to your questions about the stimulus package, including who gets the money and how much
MARCH 27 3:45 p.m. — Fort Bend County Health & Human Services is announcing the first COVID-19 related death in Fort Bend County. The resident was a woman in her 70s with significant pre-existing medical conditions.
MARCH 27 3:35.m. — Gov. Greg Abbott is deploying the National Guard to help support the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The immediate focus is on assisting drive-through testing sites throughout the state and bolstering Texas’ health care infrastructure.
The guard will supply medical providers, equipment and supplies needed to provide access to care.
“Whether it’s overseas, major storms, or deadly viruses, the Texas National Guard is always quick to defend and serve their fellow Texans,” Abbott said. “Texans can be grateful that these troops are now standing their post alongside health care professionals and first responders on the front lines of the crisis.”
The guard is deploying three join task force brigades: the 72nd and 56th Infantry Brigade Combat teams and the 176th Engineer Brigade.
MARCH 27 3:05 p.m. A team from Rice University teamed up with a Canadian company to develop a low-cost ventilator using an automated bag valve mask.
There is a desperate need for ventilators in the U.S. and around the world because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Rice students used 3D technology and laser-cut parts to come up with the $300 prototype in less than a week. Rice and global health design firm Metric Technologies will share the plans for the ventilator by making them freely available online to anyone in the world.
MARCH 27 2:45 p.m. — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a ruling Friday that local and county authorities cannot restrict the sales of firearms through emergency orders.
Paxton said that while state law allows local governments to control movement in their region, they can't regulate the sale, possession or ownership of firearms. In fact, Paxton says that is "specifically prohibited under Texas law."
“Under our laws, every Texan retains their right to purchase and possess firearms,” Paxton said in a release. Read Paxton's full opinion here.
MARCH 27 2:29 p.m. — Brazoria County Health Department confirmed four more residents who tested positive for the virus have been moved from home isolation to hospitalization. The total number of people in hospital care is now at seven.
Public health officials are using the announcement as a chance to remind people of the important of the stay safe at home order and the need for social distancing.
MARCH 27 2:05 p.m. — The University of Texas Medical Branch has received a $1 million donation from the Sealy & Smith Foundation to assist the institution with its emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.
MARCH 27 12:45 p.m. — Texas Children’s confirmed one patient in the hospital tested positive for COVID-19.
MARCH 27 12:36 p.m. — The House finalized a plan to send stimulus checks to Americans amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The House approved the sweeping measure by a voice vote, as strong majorities of both parties lined up behind the most colossal economic relief bill in the nation's history. It will ship payments of up to $1,200 to millions of Americans, bolster unemployment benefits, offer loans, grants and tax breaks to businesses large and small and flush billions more to states, local governments and the nation's all but overwhelmed health care system. Read more here.
MARCH 27 12:15 p.m. — Montgomery County has issued a 'stay home, stop the spread' order that will be in effect from 11:59 p.m. March 27 through April 12. The order asks all residents to stay home unless their performing an essential activity, working at an essential business or are seeking medical care.
A nightly curfew for all residents running from 11:59 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily is also included in the order. Read the complete order here.
MARCH 27 11:21 a.m. — A line of cars for the Houston Food Bank site at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center stretched down the road as people waited to pick up packages.
MARCH 27 10:47 a.m. — Walgreens says, that in addition to prescriptions, select products can be purchased via one of their 7,300 drive-thru locations nationwide. Over 60 products are available through the drive-thru including select cleaning supplies, over-the-counter medicine, grocery items and medical supplies.
“We’re continuing to quickly introduce new and different ways to meet customers’ needs for greater convenience during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also promoting social distancing as one of the most important preventive measures we can take," Lisa Badgley, senior vice president of pharmacy and retail operations, said in a statement.
MARCH 27 10:01 a.m. — Houston Astros stars Carlos Correa and Lance McCullers Jr. showed their appreciation to the nurses working on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.
MARCH 27 9:56 a.m. — Houston Methodist campuses will no longer permit visitors. Officials say compassionate exceptions will be made, for visitors over the age of 18, in situations including:
- Maternity, postpartum and NICU patients: One healthy partner/parent
- Disabled patients: One healthy visitor
- Critical patients: One healthy visitor
- End-of-life patients: Two healthy visitors at a time
- Discharge patients: One healthy visitor to assist
Officials say if you are in the emergency room for a COVID-19 evaluation or have tested positive for the virus, you will not be permitted visitors. Read more.
MARCH 27 9:34 a.m. — Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez continues to advocate for the safe release of non-violent, senior age individuals from the jail. The sheriff does not have the authority release them, but says he want to prevent a coronavirus outbreak in the jail.
“But the time to act, is before a crisis hits, and I’m trying to prevent a #COVID19 outbreak in my jail. To protect my personnel and to give our most vulnerable inmates a chance to survive. I’m trying to do my part to serve our broader community and healthcare workers, by not adding more potential ICU patients from my jail. I’ve tried to be proactive, I’ve tried to educate others about the seriousness of the issue. We can balance the safety of the community & the measured release of this narrow group of human beings in greatest need. We do not need mass releases, I do not support that.” Read more.
MARCH 27 9:06 a.m. — 'Today Show' host Hoda Kotb has been anchoring the show from the studio while co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has been working from home. In a segment Friday morning, Hoda interviewed New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees about his $5 million donation to Louisiana’s coronavirus efforts. Following the interview when she went to transition to the tease before break, her emotions took over. While trying to pull everything together she apologized and co-anchor Savannah Guthrie stepped in to take them to break. Read more.
MARCH 27 8:20 a.m. — House leaders' plan for swift action on a $2.2 trillion package to ease the coronavirus pandemic 's devastating toll on the U.S. economy and health care system ran into complications Friday as a maverick conservative threatened to delay passage until most lawmakers return to Washington for a vote.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who's opposed to the massive bill, set the House on edge by threatening to try to force a roll call vote. Party leaders had hoped to pass the measure by voice vote without lawmakers having to take the risk of traveling to Washington. Read more.
MARCH 27 7:45 a.m. — Memorial Hermann Health System is further modifying its visitor policy as an effort to continue to protect patients, workforce, caregivers and the community. Effective Friday, March 27, Memorial Hermann will no longer allow visitors to enter our facilities until further notice. This policy modification applies to all Memorial Hermann facilities. Read more.
MARCH 27 6:23 a.m. — UK says Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for the new coronavirus.
The prime minister says, "Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus. I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus. Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives" Read more.
MARCH 27 5:45 a.m. — An agreement expected to be passed today between Major League Baseball and its players includes a "good faith effort" to schedule as many games as possible this year, subject to government rules, travel, player health and economic feasibility, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
They also agreed to consider playing past the usual end of the postseason in late October and early November, even if it involves using neutral sites and domes. They would consider a large increase in doubleheaders to get as many games in as they can, to play without fans and to revise the postseason format.
Seven-inning games for doubleheaders have not been given much discussion but also have not been ruled out.
MARCH 27 5:41 a.m. — Southwest Airlines will cancel approximately 40 percent of its daily flights starting Friday. It's the latest move by U.S. airlines to respond to the decreased demand in air travel as people stay home and practice social distancing. American Airlines announced this week it will limit food and drink service in the main cabin based on the length of the flight and destination as a way to cut down on interactions. Passengers are welcome to bring their own food or drink.
MARCH 27 4:46 a.m. — Contact lens wearers are being urged to switch to glasses temporarily as a way to avoid being infected by the coronavirus. One of the key pieces of advice medical professionals have been giving is that people should avoid touching their face. Contact lens wearers touch their faces and eyes multiple times a day, whether it's for putting in contacts, taking them out, or adjusting them if they get a little out of place. Read more here.
MARCH 27 4:06 a.m. — Asian shares mostly tracked Wall Street's advance on Friday in Asia in anticipation congressional approval of massive coronavirus relief for the U.S. economy. But Wall Street futures indicated they would open down after three straight days of strong gains and with the anticipated passage of a massive $2.2 trillion economic stimulus. The S&P 500, Dow Jones and Nasdaq were all down more than 1% in pre-market trading as of 3:15 a.m. EDT Friday. Read more.
MARCH 27 3:35 a.m. — The House is set to pass the sprawling, $2.2 trillion measure Friday morning after an extraordinary 96-0 Senate vote late Wednesday. President Donald Trump marveled at the unanimity Thursday and is eager to sign the package into law. Read more.
MARCH 26 8:59 p.m. — Two residents at a retirement community in The Woodlands have tested positive for COVID-19.
MARCH 26 8:59 p.m. — The city of Alvin has issued a stay-at-home order. The order mirrors what's already in place for Brazoria County, but city officials said it "supersedes all previous Emergency Declaration Orders issued" by the city council. The order also limits the number of people allowed in a funeral home to a maximum of 10 or fewer.
MARCH 26 8:54 p.m. — As Louisiana and New Orleans grapple with an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, local officials are criticizing the federal government for not providing more information ahead of Mardi Gras.
As of 8:54 p.m. Thursday night, the state's latest virus numbers include: 2,305 total cases, 83 deaths, 676 in hospital for treatment and 239 in need of a ventilator, according to KHOU's sister station WWL-TV.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell told CNN Thursday afternoon that if she had more information from the federal government, she would have pulled the plug on carnival season.
“When it's not taken seriously at the federal level it's very difficult to transcend down to the local level in making these decisions,” Cantrell said. “In hindsight, if we were given proper direction, we would not have had Mardi Gras and I would have been the leader to cancel it.” Read more here.
MARCH 26 7:20 p.m. — Scarface, the legendary Houston rapper, announced today that he’s tested positive for the coronavirus. He made the announcement on Willie D Live’s YouTube channel Thursday afternoon.
“This whole three weeks has been an ordeal I’ve been to the point where I feel like I was going to die, bro,” he said, reppin’ a Houston Astros hat.
He said he took tests after his first test was lost. He said he got a call around 11 p.m. Wednesday and was told he tested positive for the virus.
MARCH 26 5:58 p.m. — Chambers County has added a new amendment to an executive order permitting only essential businesses to remain open amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Only one adult per household will be allowed to enter "essential retail business," which are defined as grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, liquor stores and any other business necessary for people to live and work from home.
The new policy doesn't apply to adults who have a medical or physical need and require assistance or children in situations where there is no one else to watch over them. Read the amendment here.
MARCH 26 5:58 p.m. — Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, has gone into self-quarantine after experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. She was tested for the coronavirus today after experiencing flu-like symptoms with a 101-degree fever. Fletcher said in a news release this afternoon she will continue to work from home until she receives those test results.
“Representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District and making sure our community has the resources it needs to combat coronavirus together is my highest priority. I will continue to work from home, as I have been, advocating for the needs of our community and working to solve problems with my colleagues in Congress and our partners here at home,” she said in a statement.
MARCH 26 5:50 p.m. —The United States now leads the world in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases. According to a running count by Johns Hopkins University, the number of people infected in the U.S. topped 82,000 on Thursday. That's just ahead of the 81,000 cases in China and 80,000 in Italy.
Italy has the most confirmed deaths of any country with more than 8,000. More than 1,000 people have died in the U.S.
MARCH 26 5:15 p.m. — The Houston Health Department has reported its first death linked to COVID-19. Officials said the individual was a woman between 60 and 70 years old with several underlying health conditions. She passed away at a hospital March 24, but the department received test results today confirming coronavirus was the cause.
The department has launched an investigation to identify potential contacts exposed to the virus. They will provide close them guidance about the virus and monitor them for symptoms. Read more here.
MARCH 26 5:03 p.m. — A sixth Harris County sheriff's deputy has tested positive for COVID-19. The most recent case is a male deputy in his late 20s. He's currently in quarantine at home. The sheriff's office said the deputy works in the operations side of the Harris County Jail’s 1200 Baker Street building, where he has limited contact with inmates.
MARCH 26 4:49 p.m. — A Harris County Precinct 4 constable deputy has tested positive for COVID-19 since he started showing symptoms and was instructed to go into quarantine at home. The constable's office said the deputy is a middle-aged man who may have been exposed to the virus by a Harris County sheriff's deputy who tested positive. He is being monitored by a doctor, officials said.
MARCH 26 4:15 p.m. — Galveston County Health District reported 13 new people have tested positive, bringing the county total up to 40.
The following information was released about the patients:
- A female in her 70s who had contact with a known positive Galveston County COVID-19 case. She is self-quarantined.
- A male in his 40s with no recent travel or contact with a known positive COVID-19 case. This is believed to be community spread. He is self-quarantined.
- A female in her 60s who had contact with a known positive Galveston County COVID-19 case. She is self-quarantined.
- A male in his 60s who had contact with a known positive Galveston County COVID-19 case. He is self-quarantined.
- A female in her 40s who had contact with a known positive Galveston County COVID-19 case. She is self-quarantined.
- A female age 10-20 who had contact with a known positive Galveston County COVID-19 case. She is self-quarantined.
- A female in her 40s with recent international travel. She is self-quarantined.
- A female in her 70s with no recent travel or contact with a known positive COVID-19 case. This is believed to be community spread. She is hospitalized.
- A female in her 40s with recent domestic travel. She is self-quarantined.
- A female in her 30s with recent international travel. She is self-quarantined.
- A male in his 50s with no recent travel or contact with a known positive COVID-19 case. This is believed to be community spread. He is self-quarantined.
So far, it's the highest number of positive COVID-19 cases the health district has reported in one day.
MARCH 26 3:54 p.m. — Good news out of Brazoria County, where health officials report a total four people have recovered after being diagnosed with COVID-19. On Thursday, officials said a Rosharon man in 40s, a Pearland man in his 40s and a Angleton man in his 20s have been released from isolation.
MARCH 26 3:42 p.m. — The Montgomery County Public Health District has confirmed at least 10 more people have tested positive for COVID-19. The total for the county is now 41. The following information was released about the individuals tested.
- Woman, 60-69, from Spring, under investigation
- Man, 40-49, from Porter, under investigation
- Man, 40-49, from Pinehurst, under investigation
- Woman, 40-49, from Montgomery, community spread
- Woman, 40-49, from Montgomery, community spread
- Man, 30-39, from Conroe, under investigation
- Man, 50-59, from Spring, under investigation
- Man, 60-69, from Conroe, travel related
- Man, 40-49, from Montgomery, travel related
- Man, 40-49, from Spring, under investigation
MARCH 26 3:18 p.m. — Houston Community College has been given the greenlight to produce protective shields using the college's 3-D printers for medical professionals working with coronavirus patients, Harris County Judge Lina Hildalgo said. The school is working in partnership with non-profit TXRX Labs: Makerspace, and together, they're expected to start producing more than 30,000 a day.
MARCH 26 3:18 p.m. — At least 135 people have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Harris County Judge Lina Hildago said.
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some patients also have nausea, body aches, headaches and stomach issues. Losing your sense of taste and/or smell can also be an early warning sign.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk for becoming seriously ill. However, U.S. experts are seeing a significant number of younger people being hospitalized, including some in ICU.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
- Follow social distancing
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
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