TEXAS – The Lone Star State hit a grim milestone on Wednesday, surpassing 15,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

What You Need To Know

  • Texas' COVID-19 death count at 15,129 as of Thursday

  • 2,977 new cases and 135 additional deaths reported in Texas Wednesday

  • Comes as United States surpasses 200,000 dead from virus 

  • Texas' case count likely much higher 

As of Thursday 15,129 fatalities in Texas were officially linked to the virus, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. This comes as the United States has surpassed 200,000 COVID-19 deaths, by far the most in the world.

The Texas Department of State Health Services also on Wednesday reported 2,977 new cases of the virus and 135 additional deaths.

The state has confirmed 719,599 cases, of which 86,416 are active. Harris County has reported the most cases at 138,473. In all likelihood the actual number of cases is much higher as testing has been limited and not everyone who has the virus experiences symptoms.

Related Stories

The new numbers come on the heels of loosened restrictions designed to curb the spread of the virus. As of Monday, most businesses in Texas can operate at 75 percent of occupancy. One exception is bars.

Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities can again host visitors.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.