The Lake Houston area sees an increase in COVID-19 cases before the weekend of July 4

By Savannah Mehrtens, editor

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 coronavirus started.

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

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Coronavirus test sites remain open in the Lake Houston area and throughout the Houston region. While some locations in the area will charge for a test with the option of being reimbursed by insurance like BAS Premier Testing in Kingwood, others are completely free. For more information on where to find test sites, visit the city’s website. Anyone can be tested if they have symptoms or not, but people should call 832-393-4220 for an access code and instructions on how to get to the closest test site.

On July 3, the Walmart at Fall Creek, 9235 N Sam Houston Pkwy E, was the city’s tagged test 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 June 24-26 and June 29-July 3 from 9 am to 3 pm, offering unlimited testing to those who did it within time limits. The lines were backed up nearly half a mile on the FM 1960 side on Tuesday. Tamesha James, director of registration and laboratory manager, said they are evaluating between 400 and 600 people per day.

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

“Memorial Hermann has had an emergency plan 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 increase and restrictions become more stringent to prevent the spread of the virus, restaurants in the Lake Houston area are working to adapt to the pandemic. With take-out and delivery options as well as the 50% capacity limit for dining, restaurants are spinning through the continuous changes the virus brings.

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“Right now, we are in a place where everyone should try to stay healthy, try to avoid the crowds and make sure the public knows it,” said Mary Huynh, owner of Bibo’s Bistro and Bar at Redemption Square in Generation Park, said. “We are in a really difficult position now that coronavirus cases are on the rise. I think there is a fact that people want to go out, but I think it is my duty to be a part of that solution and everyone else to keep those numbers down. “

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your hands with soap frequently for at least 20 seconds and physically distancing yourself when you are around others. It is also recommended to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth, as well as coughs and sneezes to prevent the possible 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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