Lake Houston area sees increase in COVID-19 cases before July 4 weekend

By Savannah Mehrtens, Staff writer

Updated

6:41 pm CDT, Friday, July 3, 2020

The Lake Houston area surpassed 1,000 positive coronavirus cases this week as the Houston region sees the largest increase in cases since the start of the coronavirus.

The region reached 1,077 positive coronavirus cases this week, up 94 cases from last week according to Harris County Public Health data. In the Houston region, positive coronavirus cases have reached 47,531 and the statewide total is 180,445 according to the Houston Chronicle data team.

Coronavirus testing sites remain open in the Lake Houston area and across the Houston region. While some locations in the area will charge for a test with the option to be reimbursed by insurance such as BAS Premier Testing in Kingwood, others are completely free. For more information on where to find testing sites, visit the city’s website. Anyone can receive a test whether or not they have symptoms, but individuals must call 832-393-4220 for an access code and directions to the nearest testing site.

On July 3, the Walmart in Fall Creek, 9235 N Sam Houston Pkwy E, was the city’s labeled testing site in the Lake Houston area. An appointment is required, which can be completed at DoINeedaCOVID19test.com.

Emergency Hospital Systems Deerbrook on FM 1960 offered coronavirus testing from June 24-26 and June 29-July 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering unlimited testing to those who made it within the time limits. Lines were backed up nearly half a mile down the side of FM 1960 on Tuesday. Tamesha James, the director of registration and lab manager, said they are testing between 400-600 people a day.

Memorial Hermann also remains prepared for an increase in cases, stated Memorial Hermann media relations specialist Drew Munhausen in an email. As of June 30, he said they had 600 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases across the hospital’s system and that capacity was not an “immediate concern” for them at the time.

“Memorial Hermann has had a surge plan in place for many months and we remain ready and prepared to care for our community, including those in Northeast Houston,” Munhausen said in an email.

As cases rise and restrictions become more strict to prevent the spread of the virus, Lake Houston area restaurants are working to adapt to the pandemic. With to-go and delivery options, as well as the 50% capacity limit for dining in, restaurants are pivoting through the continued changes brought by the virus.

“We’re at a place right now where everyone should be trying to stay healthy, try and avoid crowds, and making sure the public is aware of that,” Mary Huynh, owner of Bibo’s Bistro and Bar at Redemption Square in Generation Park, said. “We’re kind of in a really tough position now as coronavirus cases are increasing. I think that there’s a fact of, you know, people wanting to go out, but I feel it’s my duty to be part of that solution as well as everyone else’s in keeping those numbers down.”

It is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to wash hands with soap frequently for at least 20 seconds and to physically distance when around others. It is also recommended to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth as well as covering coughs and sneezes to prevent any potential spread of the virus. Clean and disinfect surfaces daily, or when they get dirty and monitor your health for any symptoms, according to the CDC.

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