Thread by @TexasTribune

1/ For the fifth day in a row, Texas has reported record high coronavirus hospitalizations.

As the state continues to reopen, Texas has seen a recent surge in the number of new COVID-19 cases. bit.ly/2YJoZfk

2/ Texas surpassed 2,000 total coronavirus deaths today.

That’s enough to populate the entire city of Marfa, Texas, or pack Faith Christian’s football stadium in Grapevine.

And experts agree that’s an undercount. bit.ly/2N1x1ef

3/ Pwar Gay left behind four children and a risky job in a meatpacking plant.

Karla Dominguez died in the same hospital where she worked. bit.ly/2N1x1ef

4/ At least two Texans died before celebrating their 20th birthdays.

It is now routine to add two or three dozen deaths to the tally every afternoon.

And each day, more Texans are catching the virus that might kill them. bit.ly/2N1x1ef

5/ Texans under the age of 30 are testing positive for the new coronavirus at a higher rate than previously seen since the pandemic began.

Health experts say young adults may be taking social distancing less seriously. bit.ly/2AzAbmZ

6/ Speaking today during a news conference, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the state’s hospital capacity “abundant” and said officials are “laser-focused” on maintaining that level.

Close to 15,000 beds are still open, according to the latest figures.

bit.ly/30Qf7Dg

7/ Still, some have called for Abbott to take more action to slow the spread of the virus — either by slowing the reopening of businesses or by allowing local officials to require people to wear masks when out in public. bit.ly/30Qf7Dg

8/8 An executive order from Abbott doesn’t allow local governments to impose fines or penalties on people who don’t wear masks in public.

Mayors from Texas’ nine largest cities sent him a letter Tuesday urging him to change that.

Read more here. bit.ly/2AHxJuy