AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday that recent spikes in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the state raise concerns, but that there's no reason to be alarmed.
Abbott was joined by Dr. John Zerwas, Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs of the University of Texas System, along with Dr. John Hellerstedt and Chief Nim Kidd. Abbott began his remarks with the latest numbers from across the state, with 2,622 new cases reported across the state Tuesday and the total number of hospitalizations up to 2,518 - both new record highs.
Despite the recent spikes, Abbott said it's impoprtant to look behind the raw numbers. Using June 10 as an example, Abbott said two counties - Jefferson and Pecos - had an "outsized influence" on the positive tests, with a federal prison in Beaumont returning a batch of positive tests for inmates "all at once." For today's report, Abbott said an assisted living center in Collin County, and Hays County were outliers with large increases. Hays County alone reported 265 new cases between Saturday and Monday, according to county health officials.
Abbott also reiterated a statement he made in media interviews on Monday, saying there are multiple reports in some counties where a majority of the people who are testing positive are under the age of 30. Based on data reported Monday evening from Hays County health officials, more than half of the 938 active cases in Hays County are in the 20-29 age range.
"The best way to contain the spread of this virus is by all Texans working together and following simple safety precautions," Abbott said. "We all have a responsibility for our own health and for the health of our loved ones, friends, and neighbors. COVID-19 still exists in Texas, and if we are to contain the spread while getting Texans back to work, all Texans must do their part. That means making safe and smart decisions like wearing a mask, washing your hands, and socially distancing in public. The more Texans protect their own health, the safer our state will be and the more we will be able to open up for business."
Abbott and Zerwas went on to detail available hospital capacity in key trauma areas around the state. Looking at the Austin trauma area specifically, which comprises 11 counties, 28% of the area's 3,250 reported beds are available, with another 1,449 "surge" beds. Across the state, about 27% of the state's 54,844 hospital beds are available.
"We are better prepared to deal with COVID-19 today than we were in March and April," Abbott said.
In addition to the available surge capacity, Abbott also suggested the state could again limit or restrict elective medical procedures, if needed, to free up hospital capacity.
Abbott, during a question and answer session, responded to calls from local officials to allow them to further enforce the wearing of masks and social distancing guidelines. "Putting people in jail... is the wrong approach," Abbott said.
