NEW: @RobertTGarrett and I are at @GregAbbott_TX press conference for the latest state update on new coronavirus.
Follow along for updates. We will be starting shortly.
And visit @dallasnews for all the latest COVID-19 coverage.
Follow along for updates. We will be starting shortly.
And visit @dallasnews for all the latest COVID-19 coverage.
@RobertTGarrett @GregAbbott_TX @dallasnews .@GregAbbott_TX says uninsured people who want COVID-19 testing have two options.
Meet strict criteria and be tested at a public free of charge.
Get private testing, though there could be a cost.
Meet strict criteria and be tested at a public free of charge.
Get private testing, though there could be a cost.
At this time, Texas has 39 confirmed cases of coronavirus in several counties.
220 Texans have been tested in public health labs or by the CDC.
We have 75 Texans being tested right now.
220 Texans have been tested in public health labs or by the CDC.
We have 75 Texans being tested right now.
Texas public health labs can currently test 273 people a day, with that expected to increase through commercial lab capacity.
The first drive-thru testing facility is in San Antonio, @GregAbbott_TX says.
The first drive-thru testing facility is in San Antonio, @GregAbbott_TX says.
.@GregAbbott_TX is declaring a state disaster for all counties in Texas.
- authorizes all state govt' resources to respond to COVID-19
- immediate ability to move resources around the state, including those obtained thru the natl stockpile
- AG can pursue cases of price gouging
- authorizes all state govt' resources to respond to COVID-19
- immediate ability to move resources around the state, including those obtained thru the natl stockpile
- AG can pursue cases of price gouging
Priority is protecting most vulnerable populations.
State agencies directed to restrict visitation at nursing homes and other locations.
State agencies directed to restrict visitation at prisons, jails and juvenile justice facilities.
State agencies directed to restrict visitation at nursing homes and other locations.
State agencies directed to restrict visitation at prisons, jails and juvenile justice facilities.
There is no need to stockpile supplies, Abbott says.
For those who may be worried about seeing empty shelves at grocery store, these will be replenished, he said.
For those who may be worried about seeing empty shelves at grocery store, these will be replenished, he said.
.@TexasDSHS says the government capacity to do testing is around 270 individuals per day.
Still, in Texas through the public health system we want people to contact their doctor and doctor to contact public health system to determine whether testing is suitable.
Still, in Texas through the public health system we want people to contact their doctor and doctor to contact public health system to determine whether testing is suitable.
The labs aren't able to "test people who do not have symptoms," Commissioner John Hellerstedt said.
As early as next week, @GregAbbott_TX says drive-by testing will be available in Houston and Dallas, then sometime soon in Austin.
.@GregAbbott_TX said he and his family have not been tested for the virus.
