Texas virus cases rise again after one-day drop-off; curve hasn’t yet flattened in El Paso

AUSTIN, Texas — The day after one of Texas’ lowest new coronavirus case counts in six weeks, state health officials reported a spike of 1,688 new cases Tuesday.

The figures came after just 593 were reported Monday, which was a dramatic decrease after a week that saw Texas twice hit new record highs. Sunday’s count of 1,949 cases is the highest one-day total since the state began tracking the numbers.

Texas has reported 66,568 total infections, including 1,688 deaths. State health officials reported 20 new fatalities Tuesday. The true number is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

Among the state’s 20 additional deaths were three in El Paso, where the county’s top doctor warned that the curve had not yet flattened for the Borderland.

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