HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Thursday asked bars and clubs-turned-restaurants to reduce their crowd size as COVID-19 cases continue to climb in the city.
“Bring your crowd size down,” Turner said.
If cases continue to rise at a rapid rate, Turner said he would consider the idea of implementing a curfew in Houston. He said hospital numbers continue to tick up, although not as fast as they did over the summer.
“I’m making this plea again to you,” the mayor said. “I don’t want anybody to say that, to the extent, for example, I elect to put in a curfew in the evening, that I didn’t ask people over, and over, and over again to be mindful of the ramifications of the community spread of this virus.”
As of Thursday, Turner said the Houston Health Department reported 1,137 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the city’s total to 99,396. Three additional deaths were also reported, bringing the city’s total to 1,444.
CHARTS: Track the number of Houston-area coronavirus cases, recoveries and deaths each day
Turner asked people to keep their masks on, keep their distance from others and avoid large crowds. He said the city has yet to experience the effects of Thanksgiving travel, which are expected to be seen sometime this weekend or next weekend. He said asked anyone who traveled or attended large gatherings to get tested and quarantine themselves.
“It can literally go from 0 to 60, very, very, very, quickly,” Turner said.
“I’m asking you to really check your behavior,” he added.
Executive-level changes
Turner also announced Thursday executive-level and administrative-personnel changes.
He said City Attorney Ron Lewis is stepping down to take another opportunity.
“Ron is leaving his role for a unique opportunity,” Turner said. “It presented itself sooner than expected and it is something he could not pass up.”
He announced Arturo Michel as the city’s new attorney. Turner said he served as city attorney from 2004 to 2010.
“Arturo has extensive experience working with governing bodies from school boards to city councils, and mayors of the city of Houston,” Turner said.
He said Michel will begin his position on Jan. 1.
Turner also announced a change in leadership at the Solid Waste Management Division. He said Harry Hayes, who has served as the director for 13 years, is retiring. Turner announced Carolyn Wright as the interim director.
“I have charged Carolyn with keeping the department on track and improving the operations and customer service as she fills the interim position,” he said.
Turner named Kenneth Allen as the interim parks director. He said Allen will replace Director Stephen Wright, who has resigned to accept a similar position in another city.