Evangelical doctors’ group urges churches to halt in-person services amid COVID-19 surge

The Christian Medical & Dental Association urgently requested that churches strongly consider taking their services online and cancel in-person gatherings until the current surge of COVID-19 cases passes.

Rite Aid offering free COVID-19 tests, expands program to include teens

Rite Aid will continue offering free COVID-19 testing to both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, and the company is expanding the program to include those as young as 13.

Houston residents asked to fill out COVID-19 vaccine survey

The Houston Health Department is asking residents to fill out a short survey about their perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines.

Unemployment claims rise to 778,000 as COVID-19 pandemic worsens

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 778,000, evidence that the U.S. economy and job market remain under strain as coronavirus cases surge and colder weather heighten the risks.

2021 Los Angeles Marathon rescheduled for May

The 2021 Los Angeles Marathon has been rescheduled for May 23 and the LA Big 5K to May 22 because of the coronavirus pandemic, pending final approval of all city partners, applicable health departments and other governmental agencies, organizers announced.

Major PPE manufacturer shuts down after 2,500 workers diagnosed with COVID-19

Malaysia’s Top Glove Corp., the world’s largest maker of rubber gloves, says it expects a two-to-four-week delay in deliveries after more than 2,000 workers at its factories were infected by the coronavirus, raising the possibility of supply disruptions during the pandemic.

Clements High School graduate named 2021 Rhodes Scholar

Jeremy Thomas is one of 32 students from across the county awarded the highly competitive scholarship that provides an all-expenses-paid opportunity to study at the University of Oxford in England.

Thanksgiving could make or break US COVID-19 response

Governors and mayors are ratcheting up mask mandates and imposing restrictions on small indoor gatherings that have been blamed for accelerating the spread of the coronavirus.

More families buying smaller turkeys, paring down Thanksgiving dinner

More and more people are opting to buy smaller turkeys this year as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has the CDC and health experts discouraging travel and large family gatherings.

New mental health program for local teachers, students, and parents in Houston

In-person learning resumes in HISD on Monday and the city of Houston is making sure that teachers, parents, and students are mentally prepared through a new COVID-coping program.

'Wrong direction': Fort Bend County increases COVID-19 threat level

With Thanksgiving just days away, Fort Bend County has increased their COVID-19 threat level to “moderate/significant”.

Mask mandates work to slow spread of COVID-19, CDC study finds

A study analyzing COVID-19 cases in Kansas found that counties with a mask mandate slowed the spread of the virus, while counties without a mask requirement saw a dramatic increase in cases.

Pre-holiday COVID-19 testing
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If you are traveling this holiday, it may be a good idea to get tested for the coronavirus.

Qantas airline plans to require coronavirus vaccine for international travel, CEO says

In a world first, Qantas Airways will likely require passengers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus for future international travel, the CEO announced.

Preparations already underway for COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Houston

Governor Abbott and the Texas Department of State Health Services appointed a panel to make vaccine allocation decisions. Health care workers who are likely to treat COVID-19 patients will receive the vaccine first.

Houston-area Thanksgiving Day events work to help the needy despite COVID-19

In order to keep volunteers and those in need safe, this year’s Thanksgiving Super Feast at the George R Brown Convention Center will include food items like raw turkeys and non-perishables, to-go only.