Month: February 2020

I’m looking for my times for the last 10 years or so of the Buffalo Bayou Regatta. I’ve found 2015, 17, 18 and 19. Has anyone kept these or know a place I can find them?

Hello Houstonians. I am sure that, like many of you, while I hope 2019-nCoV is able to be contained, I would like Houston to be as well-prepared as possible in the event that it is not.

Here are some things I think will help:

• Wash your hands (helps against flu & reduces load on healthcare too)
• Follow the CDC’s general current guidelines:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • If you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have traveled to China or were in close contact with someone with 2019-nCoV in the 14 days before you began to feel sick, seek medical care. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

I am also planning to contact my representatives. I am concerned and personally believe this situation should be taken seriously, so I want my representatives to know. Here are some ways you can contact your reps:

Houston

• Mayor Sylvester Turner | Phone: 311 or 713.837.0311 | Twitter @HouMayor
• Houston City Council | Who Is My Council Member?

Here are some online accounts you can interact with:

• @HoustonTX on twitter
• Houston Office of Emergency Management @HoustonOEM on Twitter
• Houston Health Department @HoustonHealth
• longer list

Texas

• Texas Governor’s Office | First Lady’s Office

USA

• Texas State Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz
• Find your House of House of Representative Representative
• Contact the President, twitter @realDonaldTrump

Others?

the UN? NGOs? Charities? MSF? Red Cross? PeaceCorps? Big & Philanthropic Companies? Maybe Matress Mack would help, perhaps by helping fund equipment for hospital staff or sanitation supplies for the public? Would appreciate suggestions.

Some precautions that I think should be taken at the city level:

• Make sure health care workers are prepared and protected
• Increase health care capacity for treating this disease
• Public health campaign to reduce potential transmission rate. Everyone can wash their hands more. (will help with other illnesses anyway) Suggesting #washyourhands

If you have family or ties in other cities/communities, feel free to publish a similar message to those communities too (substituting the appropriate recommendations and contact info, of course). Solidarity with Wuhan.