The novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, has been making a strong resurgence in the past few weeks as Houston’s “Stay Home, Work Safe” order was rescinded.

This seems to coincide with Governor Greg Abbott passing his own superseding orders to “reopen” Texas. At the time of writing, the Greater Houston area now accounts for over 50,000 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Houston, with over 24,000 of them currently being active.

The question now shifts to the “why”. Why is Houston, and by extension Harris county, such a hotspot for a virus that was thought to be on the decline only a few weeks ago? Your local Houston Locksmith, Guardian Safe & Lock, will do our best to answer that question for you today.

A Mutated Strain Of COVID-19 in Houston

The city now has a positive testing rate nearly twice that of the state’s average. One of the biggest reasons Houston may be getting hit harder than other areas, including other major Texas cities, could be a mutated version of the virus. This mutated COVID-19 has taken root in the city of Houston as well as some other areas of the U.S. and Europe. The mutation doesn’t cause the virus to become deadlier, though it does make it three to four times more contagious, according to experts.

This mutation only highlights what everyone living through this epidemic knows so well; that we need to continue diligent procedures to limit the spread of an even more transmissible variant of the virus. Frequent handwashing, social distancing, and the use of a mask when near others aren’t a cure to the disease but can slow it to a point it can be managed.

Everyone at every level of society, no matter their age, skin color, class, religion, or any other defining factor has felt the economic and social weight of this pandemic. If we don’t continue to follow safety practices; we’ll continue to do so for far longer. The virus can’t get tired or bored with us, so we can’t give in to that temptation and let it win.

Houston’s Emergency Responders And The Coronavirus

While many police officers have returned to work after being quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena says there are still about 280 firefighters in quarantine. There are currently no Houston fire stations closed, and there is a fire engine in every station. However, with so many firefighters on quarantine, the remaining firefighters have been spread thin. Houston firefighters are being called to work 2 and sometimes 3 shifts on overtime, and the department might have to bring in firefighters that have been exposed to the virus but are not symptomatic depending on CDC guidelines. In addition, an unnamed municipal employee has died. An HPD employee is also in “pretty tough shape” and relying on a respirator at this time after being infected.

COVID-19 In Houston: Impact On Local Events

In addition to the rising number of infections due to the Coronavirus, most conventions at the George R. R. Brown Convention Center have been canceled through the end of 2020. The one notable exemption is for the Republican National Convention scheduled to be held in person at the end of the month of July. So far; the event is still scheduled to proceed with intense social distancing and mask rules. The convention will also have sanitizer stations throughout the convention floor.

In addition to these events, another Texas staple is our state fair. While located quite a ways north, near Dallas, the event regularly has a large attendance by Houstonians. Unfortunately, the fair has been canceled for 2020. This is the first Texas state fair since World War II to be canceled. In good news, The Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and livestock shows, Scholarship Fund, and Urban Farms will continue to be funded despite the fair’s cancellation.

Guardian Safe & Lock Continues Securing Houston

Whether its’ home security safes or Houston security cameras; Guardian Safe & Lock is here for you to ensure your security and peace of mind. When you need a Houston area locksmith, from a locksmith in The Woodlands or a Cypress locksmith, we’re ready to provide you with the highest quality security service in the industry. We’re your local locksmith, access control installer, and source for Houston gun safes to secure any property you have.

Guardian Safe & lock takes the security and safety of Houston very seriously. From the services we offer to keep our customers informed of the impact and reactions to the Coronavirus, we strive to provide peace of mind in every way we can.

As COVID-19 continues to spread across our city, state, nation, and planet we’ll do our best to keep you up-to-date on major happenings. If you do need security or locksmithing work, give us a call at 832-534-8687 for a free quote. Sometimes, we’re even able to commit to jobs on the same day. Thank you for reading our content, and we’ll update this blog with more information as it becomes available.