Coronavirus: Texas Illness Count 39,869, 12 More Deaths

AUSTIN, TX — The number of new coronavirus in Texas grew by 1,000 additional patients in the past 24 hours to 39,869 on Monday, and the death count grew by a dozen more fatalities to 1,100 during the same time span.

The updated statistics were posted on a Texas Department of State Health Services dashboard that is updated daily by health officials. According to the dashboard, there are currently 1,525 patients currently hospitalized among 17,056 active cases. Amid the grim statistics, health officials noted that 21,713 patients have recovered from the illness since contracting the COVID-19 virus.

To date, 525,597 tests screening for the virus have been taken statewide as illustrated on the dashboard. The population of Texas is around 29 million.

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The illness increases posted on Monday represent the fourth straight day with 1,000-plus new cases of the respiratory illness diagnosed. On Sunday, the number of cases grew by 1,009 to 38,869 from the day before. The death count grew by 39 on Sunday to 1,088.

Illness rates continue to rise in the two weeks since Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the partial reopening of the economy. Two weeks ago, the governor loosened restrictions on malls, movie theaters and restaurants in allowing the businesses to reopen at a 25 percent occupancy rate. Last week, the governor issued additional executive orders expanding the number of businesses to reopen.

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As part of Abbott's most recent executive orders:

• Beginning May 8, cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons and shops — and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade — will be allowed to open but must adhere to a distance of at least six feet between operating work stations, the governor said. Tanning salons may also reopen under the same limitation, Abbott added.
• Beginning May 18, office buildings may open with the greater of five or less individuals or 25 percent of the total office workforce per the governor's new order. Office workers must adhere to physical distancing guidelines, per the order.
• Gyms, exercise facilities, and exercise classes could open as soon as May 18, but must operate at 25 percent occupancy. Locker rooms and shower facilities will remain closed, but restrooms may open. Non-essential manufacturing services may also open on May 18 but facilities must limit their occupancy to 25 percent. These newly opened services are subject to recommended minimum standard health protocols outlined by state health officials, the governor noted.
• The governor also issued new guidance from the Texas Education Agency centered on graduation ceremonies. In expanding the businesses allowed to reopen, Abbott said gyms could open their doors again as early as May 18 so long as customers wear gloves while using the machines and maintain a buffer of at least 6 feet from others. However, showers and locker rooms must remain closed, the governor said.
• Other sites cleared for reopening are wedding venues and services required to conduct weddings allowed to open their doors immediately, the governor said. However, weddings held indoors other than at a church, congregation, or house of worship must limit occupancy to 25 percent. Wedding reception services may also resume, but facilities also must limit their occupancy to 25 percent occupancy. These occupancy limits do not apply to the outdoor areas of a wedding reception or to outdoor wedding receptions, Abbott noted.
• No timeline was given as to when bars might reopen.

"Texas is in a position to continue opening parts of our economy because of the efforts and determination of the people of Texas," Abbott said during his press conference. "Over the past month, Texans have worked together to contain the spread of COVID-19 by following social distancing practices and staying at home whenever possible.