The National Rifle Association (NRA) announced Tuesday it's canceled its 2021 annual meeting in Houston, citing the worsening Covid-19 situation there.

The NRA reached the "difficult decision" to call off the event after analysis of the "relevant data regarding COVID-19 in Harris County, Texas," the association said during a statement. It said it consulted with medical professionals, local officials and lots of members before the ultimate decision was made.

"The NRA Annual Meeting welcomes tens of thousands of individuals , and involves many events, meetings, and social gatherings," the statement said. "We are mindful that NRA Annual Meeting patrons will return home to family, friends and associates from everywhere the country, so any impacts from the virus could have broader implications."

The cancellation comes as Texas is grappling with rising Covid-19 cases and shrinking ICU vacancies.
Harris County is currently at A level 1 Covid-19 threat level consistent with Harris County Public Health and therefore the Houston Health Department. A level 1 threat is reached when there's a "severe and uncontrolled level of COVID-19 in Harris County, meaning outbreaks are present and worsening and public health capacity is strained or exceeded," the agencies said.

Nearly 93% of ICU beds in Texas are in use, consistent with data from the US Health and Human Services Department, just over half which are occupied by Covid-19 patients.The influx of cases within the Houston area prompted the closure of three Houston area emergency rooms Monday, the Memorial Hermann Health System said during a Facebook post. Memorial Hermann noted "the continued COVID-19 surge and its ongoing impact on our System's operation," when announcing the closure.

The NRA's 2021 Annual Meeting & Exhibits was scheduled to require place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston from September 3-5, consistent with the event website.

"The NRA looks forward to a Celebration of Freedom in Louisville in May 2022," the association said in its statement. "In the meantime, we'll support many other NRA local events and smaller gatherings -- during a manner that's protective of our members and celebrates our Second Amendment freedom."