Coronavirus: Texas Illness Count Crosses 40K Mark, 25 More Deaths

AUSTIN, TX — The number of new coronavirus cases increased by 1,355 cases on Wednesday from the previous level 24 hours before, with the fatality count reaching 1,158 — 25 more deaths than the previous day.

All told, the Texas illness count stood at 42,403 on Wednesday. It marks the sixth consecutive day that coronavirus cases have grown by at least 1,000.

The death count on Tuesday was greater as the state crossed the 40,000 mark in cases, with 33 more people dead of the contagious respiratory illness. The uptick in numbers comes two weeks into a governor-led reopening of the state economy.

The upgraded total on Tuesday as tabulated by the Texas Department of State Health Services agency is 41,048 cases to date — up 1,179 from the previous 24 hours — with 1,133 fatalities. The 33 more deaths posted on Tuesday comes on the heels of a dozen additional fatalities that were posted on Monday from the previous day.

Only twice since the Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a gradual reopening of the econonomy starting May 1 have there been days when illness increases have numbered less than 1,000 — on May 4 and May 7.

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Abbott two weeks ago called for reopening of malls, movie theaters and restaurants to help reignite the economy, albeit at limited, 25 percent occupancy. The following week — one week earlier than what he had intenationally scheduled — Abbott called for more businesses to reopen, including barbershops, nail salons and tanning salons.

In announcing that second phase of economic reignition, Abbott reminded local officials his new orders superceded theirs at the muncipal level — including his waiving the once-mandatory requirement for residents to wear facial face coverings that health officils point as an effective way to blunt the spread of an illness for which there is no vaccine.

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As the updated illness figures were being rolled out on Tuesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton warned cities — namely Austin, Dallas and San Antonio — not to enforce coronavirus-related restrictions that were more stringent than those of the governor. In his warning, Paxton specifically mentioned face covering suggestions aimed at churchgoers urged by Austin officials.

“Unfortunately, a few Texas counties and cities seem to have confused recommendations with requirements and have grossly exceeded state law to impose their own will on private citizens and businesses," Paxton wrote in a statement. "These letters seek to avoid any public confusion as we reopen the state. I trust that local officials will act quickly to correct any orders that unlawfully conflict with Texas law and Governor Abbott’s Executive Orders.”

Reached by Patch for a response to Paxton's warnings, Austin Mayor Steve Adler categorized the attorney general's move as politically motivated. He noted Austin and Travis County immediately adjusted local rules related to physical distancing and mask wearing to accommodate the governor's relaxed rules.

"Up to this point, we have avoided the naked politicization of the virus crisis," Adler wrote in an email to Patch. "I will not follow the AG down that road. The city's order complements, incorporates, and does not conflict with the governor's order. We will continue working to keep our community safe to the fullest extent allowed by law."

Also on Tuesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director ot the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease who serves on the White House coronavirus task force, warned states reopening too quickly could result in "needless suffering and death."

The health officials said states should wait on economic reopening until a 14-day consecutive decline in new coronavirus cases is seen. Back in Texas, Abbott originally said he would wait to see such a 14-day trend before launching the second reopening phase, only to direct expanded openings a week early. His second economic reopening calls for:

• 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 announcing the expanded reopening. "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."