Fort Bend County officials are declaring the “Stay Home to Save Lives” order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is successfully saving lives.
Fort Bend County Health & Human Services Director Jacquelyn Johnson Minter and Fort Bend County Judge KP George told the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court recently that social distancing implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19 may be working, according to a news release.
Minter and George based their opinions on the University of Texas School of Public Health’s COVID-19 modeling projections that said the incidence of disease could peak around April 23 in the Houston area. An earlier projection indicated the peak could be around April 7.
George’s “Fourth Amended and Restated Order” dated April 1 said that people residing in Fort Bend County must “Stay Home and Work Safe at their residence” except for engaging in essential services and activities. People engaging in essential activities must maintain social distancing “of at least six feet,” according to the order, which is effective until 11:59 p.m. on April 30.
Minter said in the April 7 press release that “it’s too early to relax social distancing or stay home measures,” even with the good news that things are working. “Because of the continued potential for a devastating impact from the virus."
George said in the news release that Fort Bend County residents are effectively fighting “this invisible enemy.”
As of April 18, Texas reported 18.260 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 453 deaths. Fort Bend County has 755 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
“Our community must continue to be diligent about following the ‘Stay Home to Save Lives’ Order on social distancing and best sanitary practices,” George said in the news release.
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