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Positivity rate drops to around 5 percent in Harris County, county judge's office says

The Texas Medical Center reports there were 55 new COVID hospitalizations in the past week – the lowest number in a year.

HOUSTON — The Office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says the positivity rate for the area is down dramatically on Tuesday.

In Harris County, the positivity rate is around 5 percent. The Texas Medical Center reports there were 55 new COVID hospitalizations per day over the past week – the lowest number in a year.

Right now, Harris County's threat level is at yellow, government services are at 75% and Hidalgo is still urging caution.

“We are still saying if you can work from home, please do for sake of folks who are not vaccinated,” Hidalgo said following the Commissioners Court’s in-person meeting in months.

The county also approved a new vaccine awareness campaign on Tuesday, with "door knocking," mailers and more.

For several months, Harris County and the City of Houston have campaigned heavily for residents to get vaccinated. 

It was reported Sunday more than 1.7 million area residents have been fully vaccinated and over 2.2 million have been partially vaccinated.

RELATED: Masks optional: Houstonians explain why they still wear masks even though they're vaccinated

A couple weeks ago, Hidalgo announced the coronavirus threat level in Harris County had dropped for the first time since the pandemic-threat meter was introduced. 

It's now at yellow.

That's the second-lowest threat level in the county's monitoring system and means a moderate, but controlled level of COVID-19. It's based on a variety of indicators that continue to improve as more people get vaccinated.

Harris County and the City of Houston officials have cautiously reopened government-operated properties, including park facilities, libraries and buildings. Texas has virtually shed all of its coronavirus restrictions. 

While Freedom Over Texas and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo have been postponed another year, Mayor Sylvester Turner said he is optimistic the city will start organizing large scale events again in the upcoming fall.

Meanwhile, U.S. health officials have said it's safe for those fully vaccinated to gather without wearing masks or social distancing.

RELATED: Governor Abbott issues Executive Order to stop most government entities from mandating masks

RELATED: Gov. Greg Abbott signs law banning Texas businesses from requiring vaccine information

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