As the number of COVID-positive cases rises in the region, Dr. Charlene Flash, CEO of Avenue 360 and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, echoed the public health guidance issued Tuesday from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

“I know COVID fatigue has set in,” said Dr. Flash, an infectious disease physician. “But we must power through it. I don’t want anyone in the community to have regrets after Thanksgiving that they didn’t take the right precautions. Coronavirus remains a highly contagious disease disproportionately impacting communities of color that can strike when you let your guard down. I want families to celebrate being thankful–just do it safely and with only members of your immediate household.”

Dr. Flash recommended widening the celebration through virtual video calls. If families must welcome others into their home, encourage visitors to get a COVID test and practice precautions in the days leading up to the visit. She urged people to eat outdoors and mask up while inside.

Avenue 360 continues to provide free COVID testing in partnership with the Houston Health Department at its south central Houston clinic (4405 Griggs Rd.). Since April, it has provided more than 1,400 tests.

As for the two successful vaccine trials announced in recent days, Dr. Flash said, “While there’s certainly great promise of a vaccine, there’s still a lot of information we don’t have yet. I will be the first one out there cheerleading a COVID vaccine that’s proven to be both safe and effective.”

The information contained in this Avenue 360 Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and Avenue 360 recommends consultation with your Avenue 360 doctor or health care professional.