Gov. Abbott speaking to Texans Monday after weekend of record-setting coronavirus figures

Published 12:01 am Monday, June 22, 2020

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With cases of the new coronavirus on the rise statewide and nationally, Gov. Greg Abbott will provide the latest on Texas’ response to the outbreak during a press conference Monday in Austin.

The updates will follow a weekend record-setting coronavirus figures in the state. On Sunday, Texas reported its 10th consecutive day of record-high hospitalizations as well as the second-highest number of new coronavirus cases to date.

Texas has also increased the number of coronavirus tests administered: The state reported more than 62,000 viral tests Saturday, the most ever logged in one day.

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Texas Department of State Health Services spokesperson Chris Van Deusen said part of the increase in cases is attributable to Texans going to bars, beaches, rivers and other social gatherings.

The state’s latest reopening guidelines allow restaurants to operate at 75 percent capacity and bars to operate at 50 percent capacity.

Abbott will address the state’s response starting at 2 p.m. Monday.

Health officials in Texas on Sunday reported more than 3,800 newly confirmed coronavirus cases and 17 additional deaths due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

There are at least 111,601 cases on Sunday and 2,182 deaths, an increase of 3,866 from the 107,735 cases reported Saturday, and 2,182 deaths compared to 2,165 reported a day earlier.

The actual number of people who have contracted the virus that is likely higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected and not feel sick.

Health officials reported 68,499 people have recovered from the virus and that there are 40,920 active cases with 3,409 people hospitalized.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the highly contagious virus can cause severe illness, including pneumonia, and be fatal.

Free testing

Two Port Arthur testing days have been secured this week, health officials announced.

According to the Port Arthur Emergency Operations team, the Texas Army National Guard Mobile Testing Teams are administering the free tests to any individual seeking COVID-19 testing.

  • On Tuesday (June 23), testing will be done at the Port Arthur Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • On Wednesday (June 24), testing will be done at the West Side Development Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

No pre-registration is required.

Both events are walk-up test sites, not drive-through test sites.