Harris County Raises COVID-19 Threat Level To Orange

HOUSTON, TX — Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo raised the county's threat level to Orange on Monday as cases and the positivity rate are climbing because of the spread of the omicron variant.

Orange is the second-highest threat level behind Red.

"I'm raising our COVID-19 Threat Level to Level 2: Orange because of rapid increases in cases and positivity rate," Hidalgo said on her Facebook page. "Due to explosive growth of Omicron, everyone eligible should get their booster, mask & get tested before gatherings. Unvaccinated ppl should minimize all contacts."

• SEE ALSO: Texas' 1st Omicron Variant Case Identified In Houston Area

Hidalgo encouraged residents to get a booster shot if they haven't already and getting tested before attending any gatherings during the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays.

At the current threat level, residents are urged to minimize contact with others, avoid medium or large gatherings and visit only businesses that follow public health guidance.

County officials' guidelines have little power under executive orders from Gov. Greg Abbott that limit government entities' powers to enforce COVID-19 measures.