Thread by @wesrap

Gov @GregAbbott_TX doing round of noon TV interviews... first up he's live in East Texas where he's asked what keeps him up at night. Says it's that COVID-19 spreading more rapidly..main thing I need is to make sure people wear masks. "COVID is real, it hasn't gone away"
#txlege

On law enf saying they won't enforce order- Abbott calls that "disappointing" as a Longview native... He understands it's "not top priority" compared to murders, rapists, criminals... But last thing any govt wants is for area to shut down...
#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19

"The pretend game has to end," Abbott says. #COVID19 cases & hospitalizations doubled in Smith County alone, he says.
#txlege #coronavirus

Abbott says hospitals are beginning to get overrun in TX-- heading into time period where over multiple days TX will see triple-digit deaths... that's why he wants to get Texans to join in on effort to wear face masks.
#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19

On education- some teachers worried about going back to class... Abbott says it's important to make sure everyone in ed community knows TEA worked with superintendents/principals/ed professionals statewide to prioritize safety of parents/teachers/students.
#txlege #coronavirus

"We cannot lose a generation of students by not educating them this year" @GregAbbott_TX says on 2020-2021 education planning.
#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19

Right thing for colleges to go fully online? or to have options? Abbott: I believe in flexibility. Diff settings provide diff ways of learning.. whether k-12 or higher ed, "we cannot allow a pandemic to eliminate education in Texas"
#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19

He's now on TV in San Antonio, where he's asked if there are any imminent announcements regarding shutdowns? Abbott says there are rumors out there and it's not the case. Says his efforts included bar closures, facemask order.. "goal is to not shut down govt"
#txlege #coronavirus

"We will not have to lock down if people will follow the simple requirement" of wearing a facemask, Abbott says.

#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19

All govt officials in every level in every county must recognize they're "either going to be part of the problem or part of the solution" @GregAbbott_TX says in response to another Q about law enf policing his facemask order.

#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19

Abbott pulls unity card and needs "everybody's effort" to keep TX safe

#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19

On @KLBKNews, he's asked if TX has seen the worst already? "Things will get worse," Abbott says, adding that deaths we're seeing are from people who likely contracted virus in late May. Massive spike in 2nd/3rd week of June. "Worst is yet to come"
#txlege #coronavirus

This isn't relegated to metro areas, "widespread community spread" in Lubbock area now. Only way to keep biz open & have ppl keep jobs to pay bills, is to wear facemask, Abbott says, citing doctors recommendations.
#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19

If mask order not enough, what's next step, @KLBKNews asks @GregAbbott_TX? "If people use face coverings, it will be enough," he says. Public needs to understand this was tough decision to make, he says. Says @mayordanpope supports it.

#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19

On sending kids back to school in 5 weeks, is Abbott comfortable with what's in place right now? He acknowledges apprehension but says current structure gives parents decision to send kids into class or stay home & do live interaction w/ teacher.
#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19

"There are safe & effective ways in which education can be undertaken" without spreading the virus, Abbott tells @KLBKNews.

#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19

Canceling HS football this year? "That's not the outcome we want to see" but TX still will put health/safety first, Abbott says.

#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19

If we can all work together to slow spread, might be able to provide environment to allow sports & band etc to take place, @GregAbbott_TX tells @KLBKNews. Too hard to tell right now to predict what'll be needed in Aug/Sept.

#txlege #coronavirus #COVID19