Our men and women of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are on the front lines of this pandemic carrying out our oath to fight crime and serve every Harris County resident. As we battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to do our part; please do yours and we will get through this together.
This week our hearts are heavy as we vow to never forget retired HCSO Deputy Hilbert Nunez, 57, who passed away due to COVID-19. He retired in April 2017 after 34 years of service. Our condolences go out to his family. May he rest in peace.
As of Friday, 115 employees have tested positive for the virus, with 100 of the positive test results being among those who work in the Harris County Jail. Thankfully, 137 previously quarantined employees – including 11 who previously tested positive for the virus – are now healthy and have returned to duty.
Five of our teammates are currently in the hospital, including Sgt. Raymond Scholwinski. Help us to continue praying for their prompt recovery as they battle the virus.
Seventy-one inmates have tested positive for COVID-19.
We’re working hard to slow the spread of COVID-19, especially among our 2,000-plus employees who work in the jail. I’m forever thankful to our Harris County Jail teammates for their commitment and service. Click here to read the measures taken in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 among our staff and inmates.
Resources for You
It’s important to remember that the virus doesn’t move – people move it. Please practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, disinfect surfaces, and stay home if you can. If you need to go out, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises wearing simple cloth face coverings in public to help slow the spread of the virus while conducting essential activities.
The fight against the virus requires some sacrifices and now more than ever we need to take care of our mental and physical health. According to the World Health Organization here are tips on how to stay active at home during the pandemic:
- Reduce long periods of time spent sitting
- Set up a daily routine to be active
- If you go for a walk or bicycle ride practice social distancing
- Do not exercise if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing
It’s important to take care of our mental health. The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD activated the COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 833-251-7544 to help our community. If you are in a mental health crisis, help is always available. Call 911 or 713-221-6000.
Remember that you are not alone, we are in this together. If you need help or advice dealing with COVID-19 please visit readyharris.org. There are resources available to help you during this time. If you are showing symptoms of illness related to the virus — such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath — please click here for more information or call 832-927-7575 if you don’t have access to the internet.
The community keeps coming together in these trying times. We have received multiple donations — of personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies — to protect our deputies, correction officers, medical staff and inmates during the pandemic. To our community members, I’m extremely grateful for your generosity and support. An act of kindness during a stressful time can make an enormous impact.
Even though we are a bit farther apart these days — we will get through this. We have seen adversity before, and I know we will persevere. This is what makes us strong. I hope all of our residents have a good weekend, keep the faith, and stay positive. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.