Virus deaths in Texas increase by 25, now stand at nearly 650

AUSTIN, Texas — The number of deaths in Texas due to coronavirus has risen by 25, the Texas health department reported Sunday.

There have been at least 648 deaths, up from 623 reported Saturday, and more than 24,000 coronavirus cases, according to the department. The number of infections is likely much higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick. The department reported more than 1,500 people hospitalized with the virus.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

As of Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, allowed retailers to sell items for curbside pickup. Also this week, he reopened state parks (but not those in El Paso County) and is allowing doctors to perform nonessential surgeries.

Appointments at salons and dine-in restaurant service are among those not yet allowed to open, although some businesses reopened even though they weren’t supposed to, including a hair salon in Dallas that got a citation.