Governor Abbott is asking hospitals to postpone elective procedures to help out with the hospital capacity problem because of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases.
He sent a letter to the Texas Hospital Association requesting they voluntarily postpone procedures that will not lead to the deterioration of a patient’s condition.
The Texas Department of State Health Services will use staffing agencies to bring in medical staff from outside of Texas to help out, as well as open five more COVID-19 antibody infusion centers to treat COVID-19 patients who don't need to be in the hospital. There's currently one in Lubbock. Another will open in San Antonio Tuesday. No word where the other ones will be set up.
Governor Abbott says: "The State of Texas is taking action to combat the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and ensure that our hospitals and communities have the resources and support they need to mitigate the virus."
He adds: "Texans can help bolster our efforts by getting vaccinated against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and it is our best defense against this virus. Texans can visit covidvaccine.texas.gov to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near them."
The Governor says the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Department of State Health Services will increase vaccination availability across the state.
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