TEXAS -- The coronavirus statistics for Texas and much of the rest of the country are startling. On Wednesday alone, Texas reported an additional 5,551 cases, a new single-day record. Hospital admissions due to COVID-19 have more than doubled in the past two weeks.

That led Gov. Greg Abbott to hit pause on any further phases of reopening the state economy. 

Most businesses are now permitted to operate at between 50 and 75 percent occupancy. A weekend crackdown by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission showed that not all businesses, in this case bars, are strictly observing social distancing measures.

“As we experience an increase in both positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we are focused on strategies that slow the spread of this virus while also allowing Texans to continue earning a paycheck to support their families,” Gov. Abbott said. “The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business."

Thursday’s move doesn’t affect mandates put in place by previous phases. Businesses may remain open and operating at their designated occupancy.

Gov. Abbott earlier on Thursday suspended elective surgeries in Bexar, Travis, Hays and Dallas counties in order to free up hospital beds for COVID-19 patients.

RELATED: Gov. Abbott Suspends Elective Surgeries in Bexar, Travis, Dallas and Harris Counties

The governor urged Texans to do their part to slow the spread of the virus by wearing masks in public spaces, washing their hands frequently and maintaining six feet of space from other people.

The following is a statement from the Texas Democratic Party on Gov. Abbott's pause: 

"Slowing down his reckless reopening plan is too little, too late for Governor Abbott. Instead of listening to doctors and experts from day one, it took 13 straight days with rising hospitalizations, nearly overran ICU units, and over 10,000 new cases the last two days for Governor Abbott to finally listen to reason. Abbott's mismanagement of the coronavirus pandemic has led Texas into this mess. Texans will make his allies pay in November."