Page 25 - Briefcase Volume 38 Number 1

COVID RESPONSE

“Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are very Dr. Umair Shah of the Harris County Public Health
common in many different species of animals,” Ostrosky- Authority discussed the local state of affairs as it pertains
Zeichner said. “It is one of the most common causes of the to COVID-19.
’common cold’ in humans.” “This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and Harris

“This iteration of the virus was first detected in Wuhan, County Public Health is monitoring the situation along
China in December. Initial cases had a link to a large with local, state, federal and global partners,” Shah said
’wet market’ that suggested an animal-to-person spread. in February. “Harris County has zero confirmed cases of
Subsequent cases indicated person-to-person spread, and COVID-19.”
cases are now being reported in several countries.” “Certain parts of our community have had a lot of rumors
and information that’s incorrect. The second part of any
outbreak that we usually have to fight is misinformation.”

UHLC’S HEALTH LAW & POLICY INSTITUTE ORGANIZES COVID-19 LEGAL
RESOURCES TOOLKIT

The Health Law & Policy Institute launched a COVID-19 measures are found in Chapter 81 of the Texas Health &
Pandemic Legal Resources for Texas page on the University Safety Code. We are proud to develop resources that help
of Houston Law Center website in March. practitioners navigate what is likely an unfamiliar statute.”

The Health Law & Policy Institute continues to work The page houses several resources developed for judges and
closely with the judiciary and the Office of Court attorneys handling court-ordered management of persons
Administration to advise on Chapter 81 of the Texas Health with communicable diseases, including memoranda,
& Safety Code, which covers the role of Texas courts during training videos, and forms. Importantly, the website also
public health emergencies. Updates and new content can be includes the 2020 edition of “Control Measures and Public
found at www.law.uh.edu/healthlaw/covid-19/. Health Emergencies: A Texas Bench Book.”
The initiative was arranged by Research Assistant Professor Other features include links to important emergency
Leah Fowler. orders from the Supreme Court of Texas and Court of
“We are in challenging times, and each state is working hard Criminal Appeals of Texas, as well as important declarations
to flatten the curve,” Fowler said. “In Texas, key control from Gov. Greg Abbott and Commissioner of the Texas
Department of State Health Services, Dr. John Hellerstedt.

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