The Woodlands Township COVID-19 Update, Thursday, October 8, 2020

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Montgomery County Public Health District, in conjunction with the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, can sadly confirm an additional death related to COVID-19.

A man in his 60s, from Magnolia, died in the hospital. He had co-morbidities in addition to testing positive for COVID-19.

They can also confirm:
• TOTAL cases of COVID-19 increased by 167 to 12,022 since yesterday’s (10/7) report.

They have continued to process cases that were reported to The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) directly by healthcare providers and entered into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS). Out of the 167 new cases today, 81 were tested prior to 9/24.

• ACTIVE cases of COVID-19 increased by 65 to 1,738 since yesterday’s (10/7) report.

• 19 residents are known, as a result of contact investigations, to be in the hospital. Contact investigations have not been initiated on all reported cases.

• 7,951 people have clinically recovered.

*These numbers include PCR and rapid antigen testing. Antibody testing results are not included. Have questions? Please go to https://mcphd-tx.org/ and scroll down to the FAQs.

You can find more information on the SETRAC website.

Take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.


• If your children have started in-person school, teach them proper hygiene and the correct way to wear a mask. Encourage them to never share masks with others.

• Consider staying home unless it is necessary to leave your home.

• Avoid groups of people.

• Practice social distancing.

• Wear a mask (if it is necessary to leave your home).

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

• Disinfect surfaces in your car and around your home.

You can view the case-by-case updates on the MCPHD website here. You can refer to the dashboard here.

Harris County COVID-19 Case Count
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) publishes their daily case count, combined with the City of Houston's daily case count, here. Cases by zip code in Harris County can be found by clicking on areas of the map.

The Village of Creekside Park is located in two zip codes: 77375 and 77389, and these also include Magnolia, Augusta Pines/Auburn Lakes/West Rayford Road in northwest Harris County. Today, Harris County is reporting zip code 77375 has 1,224 confirmed positive cases with 55 active cases, and 77389 has 640 confirmed positive cases with 28 active cases.

COVID-19 Case Count Brief from The Woodlands Fire Department
As of Thursday, October 8, 2020, + or – signifies change since previous report.


Montgomery County
12,022 – Confirmed, +167 (86 newly tested, 81 tested prior to 9/24/2020)
1,738 – Active Cases, +65
142 – Deaths, +1
7,951 – Recovered, +101
19 – Hospitalized, +4

Harris County
71,807 – Confirmed, +280
2,740 – Active Cases, -50
805 – Deaths, +13
68,257 – Recovered, +316

Get Tested for COVID-19
Montgomery County residents may sign up online for Free COVID-19 testing at https://www.mchd-tx.org. Call 936-523-3916 for more information.

Harris County residents may also sign up for free COVID-19 testing online at hcphtx.org. Call 832-927-7575 for more information.

State and National News

Governor Encourages Health Care Providers to Enroll in Immunization Program
Governor Greg Abbott yesterday, October 7, 2020, encouraged Texas health care providers to enroll in the Texas Department of State Health Services’ (DSHS) Immunization Program to be eligible to administer COVID-19 vaccines once they are available. Hospitals, medical practices, pharmacies, and long-term care facilities that want to participate are required to enroll as vaccine providers at EnrollTexasIZ.dshs.texas.gov to administer COVID-19 immunizations in Texas. Read the full release.

Governor Issues Order to Open Bars in Qualifying Counties
Governor Greg Abbott yesterday, October 7, 2020, issued an Executive Order to open bars and similar establishments at up to 50 percent capacity in conjunction with county officials. In hospital regions with low COVID-19 hospitalizations, County Judges will be able to opt their county into opening bars beginning October 14, 2020, provided they assist in enforcing health protocols. The Governor's Executive Order also increases the occupancy levels for all business establishments other than bars to 75 percent. Read the full release.

Additionally, the Governor released a web video with his Executive Order, encouraging Texans to continue following best practices to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in their communities. The video can be viewed on YouTube.

The Federal Trade Commission Chairman is Not Writing to You
If you saw an email from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Joseph Simons, it wasn’t. From him, that is. Scammers pretending to be him are emailing, though. If you get an email from the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission about getting money because of an inheritance or relief funds related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic — or anything else — do not respond. Read the full article.

It’s a Good Time to Get Your Flu Vaccine
While the United States remains focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to also be aware of flu season as we approach winter. Flu viruses typically spread in fall and winter, with activity peaking between December and February. Getting vaccinated now can lower your chances of getting the flu.

Flu (influenza) is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. The flu vaccines approved by the FDA provide important benefits and are your best defense from flu and its potential complications. Learn more from the FDA.

Travel Confidently this Fall
A healthy and safe travel experience is a shared responsibility. When we all do our part, we can all #TravelConfidently. Join travel businesses across the industry and commit to doing your part to provide a safe travel experience. Watch a short video on traveling safely during the pandemic and learn more from the U.S. Travel Association.

Staying Safe while Shopping in Public
We could all use some retail therapy, but please make sure to be mindful and stay safe. Check your stores for specific changes due to COVID-19, stay at least 6 feet/2 meters apart from others and always keep a face covering on inside the store. Avoided crowded stores and malls. Shop during non-peak hours. Avoid sitting in food courts or other group seating areas. Use curbside pick-up or visit outdoor malls.

Community Resources
Numerous resources are available in the community for support. These vary from food banks to financial assistance and much more. Please visit the Community Resources webpage to find more information about resources in the community related to COVID-19.

Community Assistance Center Saturday Market
The Montgomery County Community Assistance Center, along with the Montgomery County Foodbank and Interfaith Community Clinic, will host a Saturday Market on October 31, 2020, beginning at 8 a.m. The market is located at 1022 McCall Ave. and includes free flu shots and groceries, while supplies last. For more information, please visit their website.

The Woodlands Township COVID-19 eNewsletter
The Woodlands Township COVID-19 (Coronavirus) informational enewsletter will now be published every Tuesday and Thursday and as needed. Manage your notifications and subscriptions.

Township’s Coronavirus Page
The Woodlands Township’s COVID-19 page can be found at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covid19. This page features Montgomery and Harris county hubs, community resources and news from the Federal Government and the CDC. It also includes the latest news from the Township, partner agencies, important links, FAQs, live Twitter feeds and more.

Stay Connected
Please stay connected to The Woodlands Township through our many communications channels. Learn more and sign up at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/stayinformed.

Stay Informed with The Woodlands Township

Sign up for news and alerts from the Township at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme. During a weather-related event, additional information can be found at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/emergency.