TEXAS -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday at 2 p.m. is set to address the state about ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
It comes as the situation grows increasingly dire. State health officials on Sunday reported more than 3,800 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 17 additional deaths due to the virus.
In all, Sunday saw an increase of 3,866 cases from the 107,735 cases reported in the state on Saturday. The state additionally reported 3,409 people hospitalized with COVID-19 on Sunday, which is another record high.
Health officials say the actual number of cases is likely higher because numerous people haven’t been tested and some people are likely infected without displaying symptoms.
There’s no consensus on what accounts for the sharp uptick but Abbott earlier this month blamed younger Texans for ignoring social distancing measures at bars and other establishments. Indeed, at least 12 Texas bars' alcohol permits were suspended by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission due to infractions over the weekend.
Other potential factors include increased COVID-19 testing and clusters of the virus in areas of the state identified as hotspots. Those hotspots typically include businesses such as nursing homes and meat processing plants.
Both Austin and San Antonio this past weekend were identified by Johns Hopkins University as being in the top five metro areas in the nation with the fastest novel coronavirus case growth in the last week. Austin came in at number five and San Antonio number four.
You can watch the governor’s address on Spectrum News beginning at 2 p.m.
