COVID-19 cases will hit ‘tens of thousands’ Texas Governor warns

Hours after he announced a public health emergency in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott took part in a primetime virtual town hall to answer questions about what comes next. The Thursday evening event was broadcast live across Texas on Nexstar Media Group stations.

“I know that many of you are concerned, maybe scared, maybe confused,” Governor Abbott said at the start of the town hall. “We are dealing with a very real challenge, a challenge that we must collectively respond to,” Abbott added.

The Governor then warned Texans about a coming spike in positive cases of COVID-19.

“This time next week, there will be thousands of people who will have tested positive. In two weeks, probably tens of thousands,” Abbott cautioned.

The Governor’s executive order calls on Texans to avoid social gatherings of more than ten people, bans dine-in service at restaurants, and closes bars and gyms. The order also restricts visits to nursing homes, retirement centers, and long-term care facilities, except to provide essential care.

Abbott also ordered all schools in Texas to close until April 3. It’s possible that the order could be extended, keeping schools closed through the end of the school year.

“We want to make sure that first and foremost we’re making public health decisions based on the best science,” said Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath. He said the agency will base its decisions on when to reopen schools on data about the spread of the virus.

Governor Abbott waived STAAR test requirements for this school year. That means the state assessment test will not be a factor in determining academic progress for students. Morath said that will allow local teachers and principals to decide whether students advance to the next grade.

“These are unique times that call for unique solutions,” Abbott said. “We’re going to be flexible delivering solutions that work in our society.”