Texas Coronavirus Cases Grow To 26,171; 27 More Deaths

AUSTIN, TX — The number of new coronavirus in Texas grew by 874 on Tuesday, bringing the to-date total count to 26,171 and 690 fatalities — 27 more deaths since Monday.

On Monday, the number of respiratory illness cases had grown by 666 from the previous day, bringing the count then to 25,297 and 663 deaths statewide.

The updated numbers represent the increase in illness in a 24-hour period as posted by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The agency updates the numbers on a daily basis, with the tally for Tuesday occurring by early afternoon.

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In Travis County, the number of cases has risen to 1,539 — the fourth-highest concentration of illness statewide. Harris County continues to lead in terms of illness concentration, with 5,827 cases reported. Dallas County is second, with 3,105 cases. In Tarrant County, 2,019 cases were recorded as of Tuesday, with Bexar County reporting 1,275 cases.

According to the latest available data, more than three-quarters of the state's 254 counties have now reported at least one case of new coronavirus. Amid the grim statistics, health officials note that 11,700 patients have recovered after contracting the virus that causes respiratory illness.

The breakdown of deaths in the state by age are as follows:

• 20-29: 3 deaths
• 30-29: 7 deaths
• 40-49: 15 deaths
• 50-59: 31 deaths
• 60-64: 20 deaths
• 65-69: 39 deaths
• 70-74: 31 deaths
• 75-79: 30 deaths
• 80+: 143 deaths

The higher numbers come as Gov. Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order Monday that will allow all retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls to operate at partial capacity by May 1 as he moves to a phased reopening of the state economy stalled by the new coronavirus outbreak.

Within shopping malls, the food-court dining areas, play areas, and interactive displays and settings must remain closed as part of the order, Abbott said during his news conference staged at the state Capitol. Abbott said the order also will allow museums and libraries to reopen but with no greater than a 25 percent capacity of patrons.

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