(File Photo: Agencies)

HOUSTON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Monday reiterated the necessary protective measures ahead of holiday season as the country's fourth largest city has seen growing COVID-19 positive rate.

During a coronavirus update Monday afternoon, Turner said COVID-19 positivity rate on Monday is 7.9 percent. The rate was 5 percent five weeks ago.

"Houston's positivity rate continues to creep up at a time that we should be crushing the virus," Turner said, adding that the increasing positivity rate, daily new cases, and hospitalizations "are clearly a dangerous trend in the wrong direction."

Turner's update came 10 days before Thanksgiving Day, one of the most important holidays in the United States when people celebrate with families and friends.

Turner warned that people should be cautious about their celebrations this year. "I know it's difficult to celebrate the holidays without all our family and friends but we must stop COVID-19 now and keep our loved ones safe," he said. "Remember, don't invite COVID for Thanksgiving Dinner."

Over the weekend, the coronavirus cases in the city surpassed 90,000, including nearly 1,400 deaths. In addition, the latest reports showed that people between 20 and 39 years have been impacted the most by COVID-19, according to the official figures.