For many, the summer included a flurry of activity, including travel, dining out, going to the movies, attending camp or just relaxing with friends and family. Unfortunately, this level of activity, especially in crowded spaces, brings with it a higher risk of exposure to airborne infectious agents, including respiratory viruses and bacterial pathogens.
There has been a steady increase in COVID-19 transmission numbers in July and August. Wastewater data shows a steep increase in viral load over the past few weeks. Our teams are monitoring the data (hospital and regional) closely as this trend may continue and possibly accelerate as the new school year begins.
Please stay vigilant, and protect yourselves and our patients against COVID-19.
Helpful reminders
- Stay home if you feel sick and get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
- Employee Health Virtual Assistant. Access the Employee Health virtual assistant from any device, any time, on or off the Texas Children’s network for COVID-19 related guidance and support.
- Hand hygiene. Clean your hands frequently and thoroughly to protect yourself and your patients. Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer available at many locations in our health care system. Follow the Five Moments for Hand Hygiene ENG|ESP.
- Masking. At work, especially in patient care areas, masking is encouraged. In the community, consider masking, particularly in crowded areas. Masks are strongly encouraged for those with high-risk conditions. Masks will continue to be freely available at many locations in our hospital and health care system. For questions regarding individual risk status, consult your PCP or Employee Health.
- Vaccines. Stay current with COVID-19 vaccine boosters and be prepared for new vaccine formulations available this fall for influenza and COVID-19. Also, new RSV vaccines for expectant mothers during pregnancy, as well as workforce members 60 years of age and above, will be available soon. Please consult with your PCP or Employee Health if you have questions or concerns about your immunization status.
For more information, please visit our COVID-19 Command website on Connect.