AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas coronavirus cases continue to increase and the state reported two consecutive days of record-breaking COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Figures from the Texas Department of State Health Services show 2,056 people are currently being treated in Texas hospitals. Monday, officials reported 1,935 hospitalizations in the state related to COVID-19. Both are up from the previous record of 1,888 on May 5.

The latest numbers come as the governor moves forward with plans to allow businesses like bars and restaurants to increase how many customers can come inside. Some officials have stated the increase in cases has more to do with the spread of testing, which is also increasing in Texas.

Meanwhile, virus experts are concerned recent protests across the country will lead to an unprecedented spike in coronavirus cases.

"Over the last couple of days there's been some discussion about transmissibility in people who are asymptomatic. It's not clear that asymptomatic people aren't transmitting it,” said Vineet Menachery, a virologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. “It may be that they're pre-symptomatic or before they have infection. So it's best to assume that everybody's sick and in these large gatherings, the best way to protect yourself is to wear a mask."

Menachery says you likely can become immune to the coronavirus, at least for a period of time, which is opening new opportunities for testing and treatment.

“This isn’t like an influenza strain that changes every year. Coronaviruses are relatively stable,” he said. “What’s not clear is if SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 induces immunity that lasts much longer than 3 to 5 years.”  

Click the video link above to watch our full interview with Menachery.