Resource guide
TEXAS REOPENING
Today’s partial reopening of more businesses is a reminder of the precautions needed to remain healthy and prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
What’s open:
Retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, malls, museums, libraries and churches
What’s not open:
Gyms, bars, barber shops and hair salons, nail salons and summer camps
Masks:
Encouraged, but not mandated
Hand washing:
Don’t forget that washing your hands often is one of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself against and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Use soap and warm, running water for 20 seconds, or about the amount of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song. Use paper towels — not a hot-air dryer — to dry your hands. In a public restroom, use the paper towel to open the door when you leave.
Hand sanitizer:
Follow hand washing with hand sanitizer. When soap and running water aren’t available, hand sanitizer alone will do.
DIY hand sanitizer:
If commercial hand sanitizer is hard to find, you can make your own. In a bowl, mix one-third cup aloe vera gel with two-thirds cup 91 or 99 percent rubbing alcohol until blended. Add several drops of essential oils to make it smell better. (Note: This will be runnier than hand sanitizers you buy at a store.)
Galveston beaches:
After a few days of Galveston island’s beaches being open from 6 to 9 a.m. and only for exercise, the beaches are now fully open. Galveston city officials ask beachgoers to observe CDC guidelines by observing social distancing and wearing masks. (And don’t forget your sunscreen and hand sanitizer.)
FUNDRAISER Help teaching artists:
Young Audiences of Houston had to skip its spring gala, but you can still help the organization by bidding in its online auction through May 7. All proceeds support teaching artists and their outreach efforts. The auction catalog has dozens of items for bidding or you can simply donate to the cause. yahouston.org/gala
MENTAL HEALTH
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
800-273-8255 for English and 888-628-9454 for Spanish.
Center for Healing Arts and Sciences:
Offering reduced-fee $50 solution-focused therapy sessions to first responders and health care professionals. 713526-4444 or info@thecenterforhas.com.
This is My Brave:
This national mental health performing arts nonprofit has more than 800 videos, including full performances, about living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, addiction and other mental health issues; youtube.com/user/thisismybrave.
HEROES OF COVID-19
Houstonians are showing courage and resilience — coming together to help those vulnerable and in need. These everyday heroes make Houston strong, and we want to celebrate them. Nominate the heroes on the front line in your community: doctors, nurses, grocery store workers, business owners and volunteers. Send your nominees for Heroes of COVID-19 to houstonheroes@chron.com.
To get your organization included in our resource guide, send information to features@chron.com.