Today, Governor Abbott announced a temporary pause on reopening phases due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Texas. Now more than ever it is important to continue to follow the preventative measures recommended by public health officials, such as frequent hand washing, maintaining a distance of at least six feet from others, regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and covering your mouth and nose with a face covering, such as a cloth mask. These are small measures that can make a big impact in our fight against this invisible enemy.
These are challenging times, and I appreciate the sacrifices Texas’ 26th district has made. Thank you to our health care workers and first responders who tirelessly serve the vulnerable. Thank you to the adults who have stayed home from work. Thank you to the parents who have home-schooled. Though many of us have been physically separated during this time, we must remember that we are in this together.
As your congressman, I remain committed to helping Texas beat this pandemic and come through stronger on the other side.
National Updates The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the list of underlying medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19. Additionally, recent data shows that risk increases with age but young people can still be seriously affected by COVID-19.
The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau approved funding for 77 more telehealth programs, including four in Texas.
Texas Updates Governor Abbott also issued the following:
An executive order requiring bars to close effective today, and requiring restaurants to reduce capacity to 50 percent starting Monday.
An executive order requiring Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Travis county hospitals to postpone elective surgeries and procedures if performing such procedures would deplete the hospital’s capacity to care for COVID-19 patients. This executive order does not apply to ambulatory surgery centers or physician’s offices.
Tarrant County Judge B. Glen Whitley released an executive order in effect from June 26, 2020 to August 3, 2020. In addition to recommendations to social distance by 6 feet, this order declares that:
Face masks must be worn at businesses.
Face masks must be worn at public gatherings of 100 or more.
Face masks are recommended by ages 10+ in public areas where social distancing is not feasible.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced a 14-day extension for five community-based testing sites in Texas.
