Gov. Abbott says ‘concern, but not alarm’ as Texas virus cases, hospitalizations set records

AUSTIN, Texas -- The number of people hospitalized for the coronavirus continued to climb Tuesday in Texas, setting yet another daily record. Additional virus cases reported across the state also reached a new high.

At a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Greg Abbott said the numbers "raise concerns, but not reason for alarm."

Abbott also maintained there’s “no real need to ratchet back the opening of businesses in the state,” telling ABC-7 in an interview a few hours after the news conference that the re-opening has been guided by medical experts.

On Tuesday, the state reported that there were 2,518 virus patients who are hospitalized — the latest new high for the state.

But Abbott cited the state’s hospital capacity, noting that only a "small percentage of all hospital beds available" across Texas are currently occupied by Covid-19 patients.

He indicated that just one county in the state, Galveston, had more than 10% of available hospital beds utilized by virus patients. The statewide average was just over 6%, the governor said.

Dr. John Zerwas, the executive vice chancellor for health affairs of the University of Texas System, said there were currently 15,000 available beds statewide to treat new Covid-19 patients.

Zerwas said that "El Paso had a pretty steep number" of new cases and patients in recent times. But he added that 31% of beds were currently available and indicated that 97 El Pasoans were hospitalized at present due to the virus.

Abbott, in the ABC-7 interview, acknowledged that El Paso had faced challenges but is now "moving in the right direction."

On Tuesday, the state also reported that there were 2,622 additional positive tests, reflecting a daily new case high.

"We expected it," Dr. John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, said of the case increase. But he added that things remained at a "manageable level."

Abbott contended there were several factors that explained the caseload increase. Among those:

• Increased testing capacity
• Batch test returns from prisons and nursing homes
• Bars in some areas violating social distancing standards

The governor said the state would be increasing bar inspections - and said those not complying with state health mandates would face liquor license suspensions ranging from 30 to 60 days.

Abbott also called on Texans to practice safe standards, pointing out the importance of wearing face masks to reduce virus spread and staying home if you're among a vulnerable population group - including the elderly and those with serious health conditions.