Coronavirus: Texas Illness Count Spikes To 16,455, 29 More Deaths

AUSTIN, TX — The number of cases of the new coronavirus grew by 963 statewide with 29 more deaths over the past 24 hours, health officials said.

According to updated data from the Texas Department of State Health ServicesTexas Department of State Health Services, the number of sick totaled 16,455 as of Thursday — up from 15,492 the day before. The number of fatalities rose 29 to 364 people succumbing to the respiratory illness. The upgraded illness count is an increase of 387 in one week.

According to a state dashboard, the counties with the greatest concentration of illness are:

• Harris County: 4,097 cases.
• Dallas: 1,986 cases.
• Tarrant: 990 cases.
• Travis: 977 cases (as of Wednesday; new count is 1,029).
• Bexar: 890 cases.

Despite the mounting rate of illness and fatalities, Gov. Greg Abbott has voiced plans to reopen the state economy this week. Last Friday, the governor said he would detail his plans on Monday before saying he would unveil his directives on reigniting the stalled Texas economy — the 12th largest in the world. A news conference related to the plans now is scheduled for Friday.

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Abbott's recent efforts to normalize society have raised alarms the moves could exacerbate efforts to mitigate the spread of illness. Previously, Abbott deemed construction development and attending religious services as "essential" services, despite health officials' insistence on prolonged mitigating measures.

Physical distancing is seen as the most effective tactic to mitigate the spread of an illness for which there is no vaccine.