Coronavirus cases are rising in Texas as the state plans more steps to restart its devastated economy during the pandemic. After waves of reopenings throughout the state, many sources have reported various numbers in regards to the true picture of COVID-19 in Texas.
What We Know:
- May 18th is when the next wave of re-openings in Texas is set to take place as part of Governor Greg Abbott’s plan. While Texans are still advised to stay home if they are sick, everyone is asked to wash their hands frequently and practice social distancing.
- According to KNOU11, all gyms, nonessential manufacturing and work offices can reopen and operate at 25% capacity with social distancing in place.
- After new reported cases rose by about 1,000 per day in mid-April, they started to climb in May, reaching a new single-day high of about 1,450 on Thursday. While Texans moved more freely around the state after it allowed stores and restaurants to reopen on May 1 with capacity restrictions, the figures could reflect improving testing capacity.
- Cases are “definitely increasing but it’s not to the point where it’s overwhelming our health care system,” said Dr. Brian Reed, professor and chair of the department of clinical sciences at the University Of Houston College Of Medicine.
- Despite these new numbers, local news affiliates such as ABC13, have reported very little increase or no spikes in the Houston metropolitan area. Part of their reasoning comes from Houston public health authorities stating that there is at least “a week backlog” in testing and the numbers today may not be reflecting what they are in reality.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director, Dr. Anthony Fauci, warned Congress this week that states could see “little spikes that might turn into outbreaks” if they restart their economies too soon. Ultimately, people’s decisions to continue distancing and wear face coverings in public could limit the spread with all of this new movement.
