Governor Abbott Secures Extension Of Federally-Funded COVID-19 Testing Sites In Harris County

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott Wednesday announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has extended operations for four temporary COVID-19 surge testing sites in Harris County. Originally announced on August 7, these testing sites will remain open through August 29. 

“I thank Secretary Azar, Admiral Giroir, and all of our partners at HHS for extending operations at these sites in Harris County,” said Governor Abbott. “COVID-19 testing is a top priority in the state of Texas, and the extension of these sites will help to mitigate the spread of the virus in Harris County.” 

Testing locations include:

Ken Pridgeon Stadium

11355 Falcon Road 

Houston, TX 77065

San Jacinto College

8060 Spencer Hwy

Pasadena, TX 77505

Darrell Tully Stadium

1050 Dairy Ashford 

Houston, TX 77079

Kingwood Park Community Center

4102 Rustic Woods Drive

Kingwood, TX 77345

For hours of operation and registration details, visit www.doineedacovid19test.com. Registration is available on-site.

Governor Abbott Visits Victoria To Hold Briefing With Local Leaders, Provide Update On COVID-19 Response

AUSTIN – Following his visit to Beaumont, Governor Greg Abbott Tuesday, Aug. 11, traveled to the city of Victoria to meet with local leaders and state representatives on the community’s ongoing response to COVID-19.

Following the briefing, the Governor held a press conference to discuss to topics from meeting and provide an update on Victoria’s ongoing efforts to combat the spread of the virus. 

During the briefing, the leaders discussed the decline in positive COVID-19 cases in Victoria and attributed this to community members following strategies that mitigate the spread of the virus.

Leaders also discussed current needs in the community as well as anticipated needs heading into the school year.

In addition, the Governor and local officials discussed personal protective equipment (PPE) distribution to school districts in Victoria County, and strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as schools resume in-person instruction for the upcoming academic year.

During the press conference, the Governor provided an update on the briefing and recognized the local officials and leaders, including Representative Geanie Morrison, for their work to meet the needs of the community.

“Texans understand that COVID-19 is dangerous, and they have remained vigilant during the pandemic to protect their health and the health of those around them,” said Governor Abbott. “I encourage Texans in Victoria and across the state to continue practicing common-sense strategies that mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and help us overcome this challenge.”

Governor Abbott has secured a variety of resources for Victoria County, including over 210,000 pieces of PPE. Of this amount, 185,362 pieces have been distributed to local independent school districts (ISD).

The Texas Division of Emergency Management has distributed 183,650 masks to local ISDs and 1,712 gallons of hand sanitizer.

The Texas Department of State Health Services have distributed several cases of remdesivir to hospitals in Victoria County.

Additionally, the Governor facilitated testing for residents and staff at five nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities, and provided resources to help meet health care staffing needs within the county.

Governor Abbott Holds Briefing With Beaumont Leaders, Provides Update On COVID-19 Response

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott Tuesday, August 11, traveled to Beaumont to hold a briefing with local officials and state representatives on the ongoing COVID-19 response in Jefferson County. The Governor also held a press conference where he provided an update on the state’s continued efforts to mitigate the virus.

In the briefing, the Governor and local and state leaders discussed strategies to continue reducing the number of positive cases and hospitalizations in Jefferson County, including blood and plasma donations from recovered patients to help treat those currently diagnosed with COVID-19.

The leaders noted that any outstanding needs of the community have been met by the State, and discussed how Jefferson County has reduced the number of hospitalizations, positive cases, and new fatalities following a spike several weeks ago.

The leaders also discussed the upcoming school year and strategies to reduce transmission of COVID-19 among students, teachers, and staff, and the Governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring that schools have the tools they need to safely resume in-person instruction for the upcoming school year. 

During the press conference, the Governor commended the people of Jefferson County for their collective response to COVID-19, and thanked Texans in the community for embracing best practices to reduce the spread of the virus — including wearing a mask, social distancing, and staying home as much as possible.

The Governor urged Texans in Jefferson County to continue practicing these strategies and encouraged those who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate blood and plasma to help with mitigation and recovery efforts.  

“I commend the people of Jefferson County for their collective resolve against this virus, and urge Texans to continue following proven strategies that will reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas is working with local officials here in Jefferson County and throughout the state to meet the needs of our communities and protect public health.”

The Governor has surged a variety of resources to Jefferson County to help combat COVID-19.

Governor Abbott facilitated robust testing initiatives in the community, leading to 17 established testing locations and the testing of staff and residents at seven nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities within the county.

Additionally, the State of Texas has provided two disinfection missions to nursing home facilities in Beaumont and has helped meet health care staffing needs in Port Arthur and Beaumont.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has distributed several cases of Remdesivir to hospitals in Jefferson County. 

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has distributed over 1.1 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to Jefferson County, including nearly 756,000 masks, over 118,000 pairs of gloves, and 10,880 face shields.

This distribution also includes over 153,200 pieces of PPE for independent school districts in Jefferson County.