TEXAS — Texas continues to report new COVID-19 case totals approaching 50,000 per day, and nearly 13,000 Texans are currently hospitalized with the virus.

What You Need To Know

  • Texas on Wednesday reported 47,966 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 8,081 new probable cases

  • There are now 12,905 hospitalized with the virus in Texas, 2,557 of whom are in intensive care

  • Several more Texas school districts have canceled classes as they struggle with virus spread and staff shortages

  • The office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Wednesday reported the state attorney general has tested positive for the virus

The Texas Department of State Health Services on Wednesday reported 47,966 new confirmed cases of the virus as well as 8,081 new probable cases.

The state on Wednesday reported an additional 154 fatalities attributed to the virus.

The health department most recently reported 12,905 Texans are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, of whom 2,557 are in intensive care and 1,456 are on ventilators.

A total 455 pediatric patients are currently hospitalized with the virus in Texas.

The state added 2,226 hospitalizations in the 24 hours since its previous report on Tuesday.

The unchecked spread of the omicron variant-fueled virus is having a detrimental effect on Texas schools.

In North Texas, Springtown ISD has canceled classes for the remainder of the week and won’t resume instruction until Monday, Jan. 24. Students won’t be learning virtually during this period.

In Central Texas, Plugerville ISD, Granger ISD and Liberty Hill ISD are all following suit.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is the latest state politician to come down with the virus. His office on Wednesday told Spectrum News 1 that he’s still working but did not disclose information concerning symptoms.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick earlier in the pandemic tested positive for COVID-19.