Guidance for people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 Illness

People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places and gatherings of more than 10 people where there will be close contact with others. Gatherings of seniors or other people at higher risk of severe illness should be canceled or postponed until health authorities have sufficient evidence it is safe to convene. Those at higher risk include:

• People 60 and older.

• People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• People with underlying health conditions (e.g. cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, mellitus, etc.)

• People who have weakened immune systems (HIV/AIDs, autoimmune disorders, etc.)

• Pregnant women.

• Caregivers of children with underlying health conditions should consult with their child’s healthcare providers about whether their children should quarantine.

Guidance for Schools

As of this writing, the public school districts in Fort Bend County have closed. Private schools and daycare should take all necessary precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

Implement social distancing measures:

• Reduce the frequency of large gatherings (e.g., assemblies), and limit the number of attendees per gathering.

• Alter schedules to reduce mixing (e.g., stagger recess, entry/dismissal times)

• Limit inter-school interactions

• Consider distance learning and/or e-learning in some settings

• Implement regular health checks (e.g., temperature and respiratory symptom screening) of students, staff, and visitors (if feasible).

• Short-term dismissals for school and extracurricular activities as needed (e.g., if cases are identified among staff/students) for cleaning and contact tracing.

• Implement distance learning options, especially for students at increased risk of severe illness

• Prioritize protective actions for students, staff, and visitors who are at higher risk of severe illness.

Some children have underlying health conditions, such as weakened immune systems, that put them at higher risk for COVID-19. Caregivers of children with underlying health conditions should consult with healthcare providers about whether their children should stay home. Those without a healthcare provider should contact Memorial Hermann Nurse Health line at: 832-658-6766.

Guidance for faith-based organizations

Faith-based organizations and communities should take significant steps to make it more feasible for their members to worship in ways that minimize close contact with groups of 10 or more people. Practical steps that faith-based organizations can take include:

• Implement social distancing measures: Reduce activities (e.g., group congregation, religious services), especially for organizations with individuals at increased risk of severe illness.

• Offer video/audio of events as opposed to in person meetings

• Determine ways to continue providing support services to individuals at increased risk of severe disease (services, meals, checking in) while limiting group settings and exposures.

• Discontinue large gatherings (e.g., events with more than 10 people)

• For organizations that serve high-risk populations (e.g. elderly), cancel gatherings and encourage them to stay home.

FBC HHS recognizes that during difficult times people often turn to faith services for additional emotional support. Recognizing this need, FBC HHS encourages faith-based organizations to assist in ensuring credible, reliable information is provided to help protect the community at large.