Last week, Texas made a swift about-face move in the wake of its reopening plan. After reports of growing coronavirus transmission, Governor Greg Abbott ordered the shutdown of state bars on Friday; he also mandated that restaurants must go back to minimal operations.
The Texas governor maintains that coronavirus is becoming even more threatening and problematic than ever before. This has left many Americans wondering what precisely is causing the new increases; other people have concerns about the legitimacy of numbers being shared with the public.
Nevertheless, Governor Abbott met with Vice President Mike Pence over the weekend to discuss mitigation strategies for COVID-19 transmission, confirms Fox News.
The Latest on COVID-19 in Texas
Over the weekend, the Texas governor stated that coronavirus spread has adopted a “very swift and very dangerous turn” during the past two weeks. Abbott has also maintained that testing sites for coronavirus will remain available and accessible for as long as Texans deem them as necessary.
An effort every #Texan can join in on. 👇🏼
✔️Stay 6 ft apart
✔️Wear a mask
✔️Stay home if you feel sickTogether, we can #StoptheSpread of #COVID19 🇺🇸
For ways to stay safe, visit:
@TexasDSHS
Website: https://t.co/zQjwSCK6gI pic.twitter.com/pOU3H8MLK3— Texas Division of Emergency Management (@TDEM) June 25, 2020
Vice President Mike Pence also showed support to the Texas governor over the weekend. Pence confirmed that the Trump administration has Abbott’s back and will work with him to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Likewise, the vice president encouraged Americans to engage in mask-wearing and social distancing.
What Caused the Rise in Texas COVID-19 Cases?
The Texas governor, vice president, and health experts appear bewildered about the new trend of coronavirus in the state. Over the weekend, coronavirus task force Dr. Deborah Birx actually praised Texas’ phased reopening.
VIDEO: @VP @Mike_Pence addressing the media with @GovAbbott. The V.P. says Texas flattened them curve but, two weeks ago, “something changed.” @FOX4 pic.twitter.com/XVCnKVoJUm
— David Sentendrey (@DavidSFOX4) June 28, 2020
Birx stated that although Texas crafted a good plan, the increase in COVID-19 cases ultimately ruined an otherwise positive trajectory. The doctor said that things went well for Texans in May, prior to June’s arrival of an “inflection point.”
Likewise, Birx also pointed out that new hospitalizations are of younger people between the ages of 20-years-old and 40-years-old.
At this time, only time will tell how long Texas remains closed. Time will also be a determining factor in whether or not the state requires additional assistance or support from the federal government. In the meantime, the new closure of bars has created concerns for individuals who rely on tips and in-house dining to support themselves.
What do you make of the new shutdown in Texas? Do you believe the state will need more intervention or restrictions if coronavirus cases continue to rise? Let us know down below in the comments section.
