Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo self-quarantines after possible exposure to COVID-19

HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced that she is in quarantine after being potentially exposed to COVID-19 last week.

The exposure came on Monday from a member of the Harris County Judge’s office, who tested positive and is now isolating himself.

Hidalgo and potentially exposed staff will be evaluated and quarantined for 14 days from exposure through Monday, July 6, following CDC guidelines. Hidalgo has not shown any symptoms.

“Given what we have learned, I will be quarantined at home. The reality is that there are thousands of residents throughout Harris County who are increasingly in the same position I am in today, ”said Judge Hidalgo. “There are a growing number of residents who test positive for this virus and increasingly require hospitalization. We are at Threat Level 1 – Red – and I keep asking everyone to stay home except for essential activities. That is the only way to avoid a crisis in our hospital system and put our community in a position to reopen in a smarter and more sustainable way. We are going to overcome this threat together as a community and I will continue to make sure that we are looking for all the options we have to get this back under control. ”

Hidalgo will continue his duties virtually and normal county operations will continue without interruption.

Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrián García said he spoke to Hidalgo on Sunday and that she appeared to be in a good mood.

“I urged her to rest a little, but I know her very well and she is not resting, she is working,” said Garcia.

Garcia said that Hidalgo contacted him to inform him of her possible exposure courtesy, since he was with her on Monday, the same day that she was possibly exposed.

“That is why everything about this pandemic is real. It is serious, and we must heed all the advice that our county scientists, doctors, and judge ask us to take, ”Garcia said.

Hidalgo said his staff has already been following the work of home protocols. The limited staff who work from the office have always worn masks in the workplace and maintained practices of social distancing.