Coronavirus: Texas Illness Count Grows To 34,422, 948 Deaths

AUSTIN TX — The number of new coronavirus cases in Texas rose to 34,422 on Wednesday from the previous day — an increase of 1,062 more cases in the past 24 hours — with 948 fatalities to date.

The rising rate of illness comes one day after Gov. Greg Abbott announced the partial reopening of more businesses, albeit at limited occupancy, including barbershops and tanning salons. Last week, the governor lifted restrictions on restaurants, malls and movie theaters in allowing for partial reopening of those industry sectors.

The governor also waived the mandatory requirement dictating that residents wear protective face coverings as a safeguard against the spread of illness. The governor on Tuesday made a point to alert municipalities they can no longer assess fines to residents not adhering to the wearing of protective facial coverings as his new executive orders trump local ordinances.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in the Austin area. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily

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.

Related story: Coronavirus: Abbott To Let More Businesses Reopen Friday

Also starting May 8, the governor said swimming pools may open subject to certain limitations that include occupancy or operating levels. 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. These protocols will be made available on the Open Texas webpage.

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. As we move forward, I urge all Texans to continue following these social distancing guidelines and the health standards we have provided. With every Texan doing their part, we will contain COVID-19, we will unleash our entrepreneurs, and we will make it through this challenge together."

As Abbott made his remarks, health officials were upgrading the illness increases for that day: 33,360 cases total, with 1,028 new cases and 22 additional deaths.