AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is optimistic that efforts to fight COVID-19 are working, including laying the groundwork to re-open the state's economy.
Abbott and other state leaders spoke at the Capitol Friday afternoon.
As of late Friday, state officials were reporting 11,671 positive cases across the state, with 226 fatalities. More than 115,000 Texans have been tested so far.
"As we head into Easter weekend, I'm filled with hope knowing the character that Texans have shown in responding to the coronavirus in Texas," Abbott said.
One key sign is the doubling rate of cases across the state, which had reached a peak of three days but has now dropped back down to six days. Abbott showed a presentation detailing the trend lines for cases in each major population center across the state.
Abbott said the Governor's Mansion will be lit blue on Saturday night in honor of frontline health care workers. Much of the state's efforts have been on securing personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical personnel.
The current "essential services" order remains in effect through the end of the month, but Abbott is ready to see the state's economy come back to life. "Next week I will be providing an executive order talking about what will be done in Texas about reopening Texas businesses ... in a way that will be safe for that economic revitalization," Abbott said. "We will focus on protecting lives while restoring livelihoods."
