AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Gov. Greg Abbott says closing down Texas again "will always be the last option," saying that the state has strategies for dealing with a recent surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
Abbott spoke Monday at the State Capitol, fresh off of 10 consecutive days of record-high hospitalizations and near-record highs of new coronavirus cases.
COVID-19 "is spreading at an unacceptable rate in Texas and it must be corralled," Abbott said. He mentioned the positivity rate across the state, which has gone from about 4.5% in May to almost 9% today.
"Texans can, and frankly need, to step up and work collaboratively to make sure that we respond to this increase," Abbott said.
Abbott also touched on wearing face coverings. "I know some people feel that wearing a mask is inconvenient or an infringement of freedom, but I also know that wearing a mask will help to keep Texas open," Abbott said.
"We can protect lives while also restoring livelihoods," Abbott said. "Together, we will keep Texans safe and we will keep our state open for business."





