District K Residents,
 
Happy Saturday! I hope you find time to do something you love, get some rest and exercise this weekend. This pandemic has all of us adjusting to cope with new daily routines, work environments, school schedules, family budgets and so much more
 
Yesterday I watched Governor Abbott’s press conference where he issued three new Executive Orders to begin the process of reopening the state of Texas while revising hospital capacity and certain social distancing guidelines. To read his entire press release
 
Mayor Turner also held his daily press conference yesterday and reported an increase of 114 confirmed cases, bringing the total in the COH to 2,570. He also reported two additional deaths, bringing the total in the COH to 31. The city of Houston testing sites are
offering free coronavirus tests for anyone interested in being tested. Our two city sites have doubled their testing capabilities and the requirements no longer include an individual exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. You are still required to call, register and receive a code prior to entering the testing locations. (832-393-4220)
 
Testing of residents who are asymptomatic will allow officials to better track community spread of this virus. Collecting medical data from widespread testing is what’s needed in order to eventually start easing our StayHome-WorkSmart order in stages. According to Dr. Persse, our COH health authority, we are still expected to “peak” in the city of Houston some time at the end of the month or around May 2nd. Dr. Persse also stated, “The peak is not the end of the game. If anything, it is half-time.” That means we must stay the course. The coming down is just as dangerous as the going up. During the press conference Mayor Turner also stated the city sponsored events would continue to be suspended through the month of May.
 
Overcoming a global pandemic requires working together and what we know about this virus changes rapidly. I am hopeful that the efforts and sacrifices we are all making will result in us gaining the upper-hand against COVID-19 and the infection rates will soon be on the decline. I realize this is inconvenient financially, physically and emotionally, however what we are doing collectively IS working and saving lives. As always, if you have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
 
Stay safe and healthy!
 
-Martha
 
 
HISD and Houston Food Bank partner for massive community food distribution effort at NRG TODAY!
 
The Houston Independent School District is partnering with the Houston Food Bank to organize a mass food distribution site from 4-7 p.m. today in the parking lot of NRG Stadium. 
 
The goal is to accommodate working families who are unable to visit HISD-sponsored distribution sites during the weekday. The site is expected to distribute 3,000 food bags — or 90,000 pounds of food — in three hours.