Mayor Sylvester Turner says he wants to see economy move forward but in a safe way

Mayor Sylvester Turner gives an update on May 7, 2020. (KPRC 2)

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner addressed the city’s fight against the coronavirus in the Houston area an hour after Gov. Greg Abbott announced the second phase of reopening Texas businesses Monday.

Turner stated that Texas is aggressively moving forward to reopen businesses in phase two of the state’s plan.

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“I also want to see the economy move forward, want people to get back to work to provide for families, but want to make sure it is done in a safe responsible way,” Turner said.

He thanked Houstonians for taking the virus seriously by following all orders to decrease cases and flatten the curve.

“Since March, Houston has taken steps and made sacrifices to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (I) want to thank all Houstonians who have helped us to achieve that. I don’t want to say success, but to help flatten the progression of this virus, we have achieved that object,” Turner said.

Here are some of the highlights of his press briefing:

  • The Houston Health Department reported 139 new coronavirus cases, bringing the city’s total to 5,795. One new death was also reported Monday, bringing the total number of coronavirus deaths in the city to 115. The patient was a white male in his 80s with underlying health conditions, Turner said.
  • There are 13 free testing sites available across the Houston area. Kroger and Houston Health Department will hold free drive-thru testing sites
  • Houston Health Authority Dr. David Persse said a rare complication in children is being reported that is related to COVID-19 in New York City
  • Wearing masks should not be political, Turner said. It was recommended by the health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He said this virus doesn’t care if you’re a Democrat or Republican.
  • Turner said he would have taken a different pace of reopening than the plan Gov. Greg Abbott is taking.
  • Although we have flattened the curve, Turner says there is still no cure or vaccine to fight the virus and social distancing and good hygiene practices is essential.

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