A few simple steps that you take now can greatly reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus and many other illnesses:
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds multiple times a day.
- Governor Abbott's executive order states that face coverings cannot be mandated in public schools. While San Jacinto College cannot require anyone to wear a face covering, the College strongly encourages the use of a face covering for all students, employees, visitors, and contractors regardless of vaccination status.
- Stay at least 6 feet apart (2 arms’ lengths) from others.
- Disinfect high-touch areas and objects frequently.
- Avoid shaking hands.
- Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Helpful Resources
Harris County Public Health (HCPH), in partnership with Harris Health, is providing a call center resource for residents in unincorporated Harris County who do not have a healthcare provider and who need access to coronavirus-related care. The Ask My Nurse line will provide help with access for symptoms assessments and referral to appropriate levels of care in a clinical setting. Harris County will also staff a call line with public health staff who will be available to answer questions from the general public about COVID-19.
Residents without access to healthcare can call the triage line for COVID-19-related questions at 713-634-1110. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nurses will be available to provide care in both English and Spanish. (Please note: Harris County residents with access to health care are asked to use their provider for further evaluation and clinical advice to ensure this limited resource is reserved for those without access.)
In addition to providing this triage service for those without access to care, Harris County will also be expanding its capacity to answer questions for the general public regarding COVID-19. For the latest call center phone numbers for Harris County, Fort Bend County, the City of Houston, and the State of Texas, residents should visit ReadyHarris.org or hcphtx.org.
Call centers do not replace information or guidance from healthcare providers. Residents who feel sick and believe they may have been exposed should contact their provider (call before going), describe symptoms, and travel history or contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19.
HCPH advises the public to call their local health department for questions as information and guidance may vary. Regional resources for both clinical-related questions and general questions about the virus are available below:
For Harris County Residents:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) | publichealth.harriscountytx.gov | ReadyHarris.org
Call: 832-927-7575 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily)
For City of Houston Residents:
Houston Health Department | HoustonTX.gov/Health | HoustonEmergency.org
Call: 832-393-4220 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays)
For Fort Bend County Residents:
Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
Call: 281-633-7795 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday)
For Galveston County Residents:
Galveston County Health District | gchd.org
Call: 409-938-7221 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday)
For Brazoria County Residents:
Brazoria County Health Department | brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/health-department
Call: 979-864-2167 (Monday–Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Harris Health System:
harrishealth.org | Ask-My-Nurse
Call: 713-634-1110 (Open 24 hours; clinical-related questions only)