Coronavirus: Texas Illness Count Soars To 14,624, 31 More Deaths

AUSTIN, TX — The number of statewide coronavirus cases on Tuesday soared to 14,624 with 31 additional deaths — the most fatalities recorded in a single day.

The number of patients was an increase of 718 cases from the previous 24 hours as recorded by the Texas Department of State Health Services. All told, according to the data, 318 people have died from the respiratory illness statewide since the onset of the illness.

According to the data, the following counties have the highest illness concentration in the state as of Tuesday:

• Harris: 3,747 cases.
• Dallas: 1,788 cases.
• Tarrant: 876 cases.
• Travis: 856 cases.
• Bexar: 794 cases.
• Fort Bend: 543 cases.
• Denton: 507 cases.
• Collin: 472 cases.
• Galveston: 377 cases.
• Lubbock: 317 cases.

Despite the mounting rate of illness, Gov. Greg Abbott is working toward re-opening the state to gradually reignite the stalled Texas economy — the world's 12th largest — even as health officials recomment a prolonged period of physical distancing to blunt the spread of illness. Previous executive orders signed by Abbott have run counter to health officials' recommendations, chiefly his categorizing construction work and religious services as "essential" activities — sparking concerns his decrees might help spur the spread of illness further.

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

Abbott last Friday said he would unveil his plan to restart commerce on Monday, only to say details on his proposal would be released in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the pervasive COVID-19 virus poses a growing threat across Texas. In the state capital where Abbott works, Austin Mayor Steve Adler joined Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt on Monday in expanding the region's "Stay Safe Stay Home" order until May 8 while mandating that residents wear protective face coverings when outdoors on essential outings.

Related stories:

• Coronavirus: Austin Extends 'Stay Home' Order, Mandates Masks
• Coronavirus: Austin Illness Count Reaches 900, 3 More Deaths
• Coronavirus: Austin Clarifies Rules After Governor's Orders
• Coronavirus: Texas Outlines Church Attendance Tips Amid Pandemic
• Coronavirus: Austin Faith Groups Adhere To Physical Distancing

The measures were taken ahead of Austin achieving a grim milestone on Tuesday with 900 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and three more fatalities — bringing the total number of dead to 14. Physical distancing and the wearing of fabric face coverings are seen as the most effective ways of mitigating the spread of an illness for which there is no vaccine spread by respiratory droplets emitted through coughing or sneezing.