Wikipedia

Texas government response to the COVID-19 pandemic

The government of Texas's initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the state consisted of a decentralized system that was mostly reliant on local policies. As the pandemic progressed in Texas and throughout the rest of the country, the Texas government closed down several businesses and parks, and it eventually imposed a statewide stay-at-home order in late May. Then, between May and June 2020, the state government initiated a phased reopening, which was viewed as controversial. The reopening was phased back in June and July 2020 following a new surge of COVID-19 cases in the state. In March 2021, as COVID-19 vaccines began to be administered throughout the U.S., the Texas government reopened the state again.

Background

edit
See also: Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas and Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States

On December 31, 2019, China reported a cluster of pneumonia cases in its city of Wuhan. On January 7, 2020, the Chinese health authorities confirmed that this cluster was caused by a novel infectious coronavirus.[1] On January 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an official health advisory via its Health Alert Network (HAN) and established an Incident Management Structure to coordinate domestic and international public health actions.[2] On January 10 and 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned about a strong possibility of human-to-human transmission and urged precautions.[3] On January 20, the WHO and China confirmed that human-to-human transmission had occurred.[4]

The initial origin of community spread in Texas remains unclear, but numerous anecdotal accounts by those later confirmed have included onset dates as early as December 28 in Point Venture, and retrospective analyses have found unexplained statistical increases in deaths during this time.[5][6][7] Testing capacity across the state remained extremely limited until after the first recorded cases were announced.[5]

Research from Austin Public Health conducted in May found 68 COVID-19 patients in Central Texas who began reporting symptoms dating back to around the beginning of March.[8] On March 2, San Antonio Mayor Nirenberg issued a public health emergency after an individual positive for the virus is mistakenly released from quarantine at JBSA–Lackland.[9] Two days later, the DSHS reports a presumptive positive test result for COVID-19 from a resident of Fort Bend County in the Houston area. A man in his 70s, he is the first known positive case of the disease in Texas outside of those evacuated from Wuhan and the Diamond Princess cruise ship.[10] The patient had recently traveled to Egypt and was hospitalized.[11]

Timeline

edit

Initial actions and first lockdown

edit
 
The Texas National Guard was deployed to aid in COVID-19 testing and prevention efforts

In March 2020, The Texas Tribune described the state's pandemic response as a "patchwork system" characterized by its decentralized nature and reliance on locally enacted policies.[12] The following month, WalletHub ranked the Texas as one of the 10 least aggressive states for limiting COVID-19 exposure based on policy decisions, risk factors, and infrastructure.[13]

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) activated a virtual State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) in January 2020 to coordinate data collection and activities between the state and local agencies. The department and local health departments also began assessing recent travelers to Hubei Province in China with respiratory ailments for possible testing for SARS-CoV-2, encouraging individuals to "contact their health care provider if they develop fever, cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of being in Hubei." The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) was tasked with logistical coordination on health supplies with local groups. A briefing was held by Abbott on January 27 concerning the COVID-19 outbreak; HHS Commissioner Courtney Philips, DSHS Health Services Commissioner John William Hellerstedt, and TDEM Chief Nim Kidd delivered the briefing.[14] On January 30, Abbott joined other state governors in a conference call with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, CDC Director Robert Redfield, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci, and other health officials to discuss disease mitigation and prevention strategies.[15] State officials from emergency management, health services, law enforcement, public schools, and universities also met the same morning to outline logistics and coronavirus information.[16]

A state of disaster was declared by Abbott for all counties in Texas on March 13, giving emergency powers to Abbott and his administration to order lockdowns.[17][18] Throughout March, the state waived various healthcare and economic regulations.[19] These included waived trucking and licensing regulations for drivers, alcohol delivery from bars and restaurants, and Medicaid regulations.[18][20][21][22] Abbott and the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) requested health insurers and health maintenance organizations to waive pandemic-related costs for patients on March 5.[23] The Texas Supreme Court ruled to suspend most eviction proceedings by at least a month on March 19.[24] Several regulations were waived to increase the state's medical workforce;[25][26][27] inactive and retired nurses were allowed to reactivate their licenses and temporary licensing was expedited for out-of-state medical professionals.[28][29] Local governments were authorized to delay local elections for 2020.[30] The federal government supplied $628.8 million in public assistance grants to Texas through FEMA following a federal disaster declaration on March 25.[31] Additional federal funding was also distributed through the CARES Act, Small Business Administration,[32][33]

On March 19, Abbott ordered the temporary prohibition of dining at bars and restaurants and the closure of gyms effective beginning the following day in a series of executive orders. Social gatherings involving more than 10 people were also prohibited.[34][35] Two days later, hospitals were allowed to have more than one patient per room and "elective or non-essential" medical procedures were ordered suspended.[36] A legal dispute emerged after Attorney General Ken Paxton confirmed that most abortions were included in the suspension.[37][38][39] The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas blocked the abortion ban on March 30, which was overturned by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on March 31.[40][41] A three-judge panel on the Fifth Circuit reaffirmed the ban on April 10.[42] Texas became the 21st state to activate its National Guard on March 17.[43] The state mandated 14-day quarantines for travelers arriving from pandemic hotspots in the U.S. beginning on March 26 until all travel restrictions were lifted on May 21.[44][45] Abbott initially decided against statewide shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders due to the fact that more than 200 counties did not have any cases in mid-March.[46][47] However, Abbott issued a de facto stay-at-home order on March 31, directing all Texans to remain at home unless conducting essential activities and services and to "minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household." The order exempted places of worship as essential services (subject to social distancing), but Abbott still recommended that remote services be conducted instead. Abbott specifically avoided use of the terms "stay-at-home order" or "shelter-in-place" to describe the order, arguing that they were either misnomers (shelter-in-place usually referred to emergency situations) or did not adequately reflect the goal of the order.[48][49]

Texas Historical Commission historical sites and state parks were closed beginning at 5 p.m. April 7,[50][51] remaining closed until an executive order reopened them on April 20.[52][53] The state government continued to relax regulations regarding medical protocols through April. Pharmacy technicians were authorized to accept over-the-phone prescription drug orders beginning on April 7 and telehealth services were authorized across a broad range of telecommunication media.[54][55] Local emergency medical service providers were allowed to utilize qualified individuals without formal certification.[56] Similar training requirements were waived for other medical fields.[57][58] On May 20, The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House released a letter detailing a plan to reduce the budget of many state agencies by 5 percent as part of the state's preparation for COVID-19's economic impact.[59][60]

Initial reopening efforts

edit
 
Governor Greg Abbott met with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on May 7 to discuss the pandemic.

Between May and June 2020, the Texas state government began loosening restrictions on businesses and activities in a series of phases amid the pandemic, allowing businesses to reopen and operate with increasing capacity.[61] Texas was one of the first states to publicize a timetable for lifting restrictions and the underlying plan was one of the most expansive in the country for reopening businesses.[62][63] It began with Phase I on May 1 and continued through Phase III on June 3. Abbott suspended the reopening process on June 25 following a rapid increase of COVID-19 cases 113 days after the first case was confirmed in Texas.[61]

On March 23, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made controversial statements on the Fox News show Tucker Carlson Tonight, saying that "as a senior citizen", he was "willing to take a chance on [his] survival in exchange for keeping the America that all America loves for [his] children and grandchildren," later suggesting that grandparents in the country would do the same and advocating that the U.S. "get back to work."[64][65] As Patrick appeared to insinuate lives were worth sacrificing for the health of the economy, his comments drew criticism on Twitter, where the hashtag #NotDying4WallStreet trended.[66] New York Governor Andrew Cuomo commented on Twitter that "no one should be talking about social darwinism for the sake of the stock market."[67] The editorial board of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram characterized Patrick's comments as "morbid" and a "recipe for embarrassing Texas".[68] On April 7, roughly a month after the first non-evacuee case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Texas,[10] Patrick created a task force to plan out the recovery of the Texas economy should businesses and industries reopen.[69] Two days later, Abbott stated that his administration was "working on very aggressive strategies to make sure Texas [was] first at getting back to work."[70] On April 17, Abbott began the process of reopening the Texas economy,[71] establishing the Strike Force To Open Texas in an executive order to "study and make recommendations... for revitalizing the Texas economy".[52][72] The team includes state leaders, medical experts, and a business advisory group; all consulting members were members of the Republican Party.[73][74] Abbott issued two additional executive orders relaxing COVID-19 restrictions: executive order GA-15 permitted licensed health care professionals and facilities to carry out elective medical procedures if they did not interfere with capacity provisioned for COVID-19, while executive order GA-16 allowed retail stores to deliver goods to customers beginning on April 24 as part of a "Retail-To-Go" model.[52][75][76] State parks were also ordered to reopen with COVID-19 regulations on April 20.[52]

Abbott announced a phased approach to reopening the Texas economy on April 27, with the state entering Phase I of the plan on May 1.[77] The first phase permitted the operation of retail establishments, restaurants, movie theaters, shopping malls, libraries and museums at 25 percent occupancy and with health protocols in place; these relaxed restrictions superseded all local orders.[78][79] Businesses in counties with five or fewer cases of COVID-19 were allowed to operate with increased occupancy once Phase I went into effect.[80] The de facto statewide stay-at-home order issued on March 19 was allowed to expire on April 30.[81] Following intraparty pressure, Abbott authorized the reopening of hair salons and pools on May 5.[82] Abbott announced the initiation of Phase II of the reopening plan on May 18, under which child care centers, massage and personal-care centers, and youth clubs were allowed to open promptly. The phase also allowed bars and office building tenants to begin operating with limited occupancy in addition to raising the restaurant occupancy cap to 50 percent. Other types of businesses were given staggered opening dates out to May 31 under Phase II.[83] Phase III of the reopening was rolled out on June 3, permitting the immediate increase of all business operation to 50 percent capacity. The phase also provided a timetable for amusement parks, carnivals, and restaurants to begin increasing their capacity further out to June 18.[84] Abbott announced on June 18 that Texas public schools would be opening for fall 2020.[85] On June 25, Abbott enacted a "temporary pause" on the reopening of the state's economy following record increases in COVID-19 cases.[86][87] The next day, Abbott issued an executive order closing bars and rafting/tubing businesses, representing the first rollbacks on the reopening plan.[88]

On April 25, polling from the University of Texas and the Texas Tribune found that 56 percent of voters surveyed approved of Abbott's response to the pandemic, including 56 percent of Republicans and 30 percent of Democrats.[89][90] Positive approval of Abbott's response to the pandemic was also found by a Dallas Morning News/University of Texas at Tyler poll, with registered voters approving by a roughly 3-to-1 margin.[91] A survey conducted by the Texas Restaurant Association and released on May 2 found that 47 percent of the 401 responding restaurants stated they would not reopen despite authorization under Phase I of Abbott's reopening plan; 43 percent intended to open while the remaining 9 percent were unsure.[92] A Quinnipiac University poll of registered voters released on June 3 found that 49 percent approved of Abbott's handling of stay-home restrictions while 38 percent believed Abbott moved "too fast" with the reopening.[93] A survey of 1,212 registered voters in Texas conducted by YouGov and sponsored by CBS News between July 7–10 found that 61 percent of respondents believed the state moved "too quickly" in "reopening the economy and lifting stay-at-home restrictions".[94]

Reactions to the initial efforts to reopen Texas businesses were fraught with partisan divides,[95][96] with the overall reaction described as "mixed" by several news agencies.[97][98][99][100] Nine members of the Texas Freedom Caucus in the Texas House of Representatives sent a letter to Abbott on April 14 pressing for business restrictions to be loosened "to the greatest extent possible."[101] Following the first announcement of reopenings on April 17, Texas Representative Chris Turner, the leader of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, said that Texas needed to have "widespread testing available" before reopening businesses.[102] Many public health experts lauded the phased approach but iterated the need for increased testing in the state. Others opined that the reopening commenced before adequate steps were taken to reduce the spread of the disease.[98][103] As the reopening plan progressed, Republican legislators pressured Abbott to open additional business sectors and accelerate the reopening process while Democratic legislators criticized the governor for the rapid pace of reopening.[104][105] The lack of consistent policy at the state and local level during the reopening and Abbott's decision to quash criminal penalties for violations also drew criticism. The Texas District and County Attorneys Association stated that there was "little incentive to put your own necks on the line to enforce an order that could be invalidated the next day" in guidance to state prosecutors.[106] After the reopening's pause and subsequent roll back, some attributed the concurrent rise in cases to the reopening.[107] Hidalgo stated that the reopening occurred "too quickly" and that other communities seeking to reopen would need to heed the spike in cases as "a word of warning".[95] Abbott stated in an interview with KVIA-TV in El Paso that "If I could go back and redo anything, it would probably would have been to slow down to opening bars, now seeing in the aftermath of how quickly the coronavirus spread in the bar setting."[108]

June–July 2020 restrictions

edit

At a news conference on May 5, Abbott indicated that his administration was emphasizing the state's COVID-19 positivity rate to evaluate the reopening of Texas businesses that formally began on May 1.[77][109] Abbott considered a positivity rate exceeding 10 percent as a "red flag". In mid-April, the number of new cases began to stabilize and the 7-day average positivity rate fell below 10 percent. When Abbott announced the reopening plan on April 27, the positive rate was 4.6 percent, while number of active cases, active infection spread among population, was growing, meaning the chance of infection was increasing. As a result, the number of new cases began to rise in early May.[109] On June 24, the seven-day average positive rate rose above 10 percent for the first time since mid-April.[110] Entering mid-June, restaurants were allowed to operate at increased capacity and most businesses were opened under Phase III of the state's reopening plan. Following a pronounced outbreak of COVID-19 in the state (with the weekly average of new cases increasing by 79 percent) and a large increase in hospitalizations, Abbott paused the reopening process on June 25.[111][88] On June 26, bars were ordered to shut down and restaurants were ordered to lower their maximum operating capacity to 50 percent in what The Texas Tribune called Abbott's "most drastic action yet to respond to the post-reopening coronavirus surge in Texas". River-rafting businesses were also ordered to close and outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people without local government approval were banned.[112] The mandated closures made Texas the first U.S. state to reinstate restrictions and closures after reopening.[113]

Only on July 2, Abbott announced some small measures in an executive order effective the afternoon of July 3 requiring local government approval of gatherings of 10 or more people. In counties with at least 20 confirmed cases, the order mandated masks in enclosed public spaces and when social distancing was not feasible (subject to fines of up to $250 for multiple infractions).[114] The Texas Medical Association supported the mask mandate. However, the governor was chided by Democrats for being too slow to react to the resurgence in cases and by Republicans for overstepping his remit and infringing on personal freedoms.[115][116] Texas Democratic Party spokesman Abhi Rahman released a statement saying that the order was "far too little, far too late," and criticized Abbot for "[leading] from behind."[117] Republican State Representative Jonathan Stickland tweeted "[Abbott] thinks he is KING!"[116] Six county Republican parties formally censured Abbott for his use of executive power in responding to the pandemic, including in Montgomery and Denton Counties.[118] Some local law enforcement agencies chose not to enforce the mandate.[119]

On September 17, 2020, Governor Abbott announced that businesses could expand to 75% capacity.[120]

March 2021 lifting of restrictions

edit

On March 2, 2021 (Texas Independence Day), Abbott announced that the state would rescind nearly all COVID-19-related health orders state-wide effective March 10 via executive order.[121] Businesses are no longer mandated to limit their capacity, the mask mandate expired, and no jurisdiction may enforce a penalty of any kind for not wearing masks in public.[121] Counties could reinstate capacity limits on businesses if COVID hospitalizations account for more than 15 percent of their local bed capacity for at least seven days, but businesses could not be restricted to any capacity below 50 percent, and enforcement of mask mandates remained prohibited.[122][123]

Abbott argued that since Texans had "mastered the daily habits to avoid getting COVID", the state no longer required enforceable health orders to be followed by residents and businesses, and that "too many Texans have been sidelined from employment opportunities. Too many small business owners have struggled to pay their bills. This must end. It is now time to open Texas 100%." However, the Governor still noted that the decision "does not end personal responsibility and caring for your family members, friends and others in your community."[122]

Reaction to the announcement was mixed, with local and national government and health officials warning that the decision to ease all restrictions was premature,[124] and criticism towards the inability for local leaders to enforce health orders.[125][126] President Joe Biden criticized the move and a similar decision announced the same day by Mississippi, arguing that "the last thing we need is the Neanderthal thinking that in the meantime, everything's fine, take off your mask, forget it. It still matters."[124][127] Governor Abbott responded to the comment, arguing that it was inappropriate for a president, and accusing Biden of importing COVID-19 cases into the state and others via immigrants by not testing them at the border.[128]

Executive orders against the implementation of COVID-19 public health measures

edit

On March 10, 2021, the Texas Attorney General threatened to sue the city of Austin for violating the executive order by declaring an intent to continue enforcing the previous "Phase 4" guidelines and mask mandate, and issued a 6:00 p.m. deadline.[129][121] The city challenged the legal threat, arguing that masks were effective, and that the mask mandate was issued by the Travis County public health authority and not by a jurisdiction.[121] The suit was filed the next day.[130] On March 26, District Judge Lora Livingston blocked a request by the AG for a temporary injunction, thus allowing the mandate to remain in force.[131][132]

In April 2021, Governor Abbott signed an executive order prohibiting state agencies and publicly-funded organizations from creating "vaccine passports" or requiring proof of vaccination with products administered pursuant to Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), as a condition of service. Abbott stated no resident should be required to "reveal private health information just to go about their daily lives", and that the COVID-19 vaccine will always be voluntary and "never forced" in the state of Texas.[133] On June 7, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 968, which strictly prohibits all businesses from requesting proof of vaccination as a condition of service. State agencies (such as the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) have the power to enforce SB968 via the revocation of licensing and permits.[134][135]

On July 29, amid rising cases due to Delta variant, Galveston County meeting the 15% benchmark for hospitalizations that authorized reinstating restrictions, and multiple counties approaching it, Abbott signed an executive order prohibiting any county from restricting the capacity of businesses, regardless of hospital capacity. The order once again emphasized that public health measures were the "personal responsibility" of residents, and asserted that vaccines "are the most effective defense against the virus", and will always be voluntary and never forced in the state of Texas.[123] In late-August 2021, after the FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine, Governor Abbott amended the earlier executive order to cover any COVID-19 vaccine, even if approved by the FDA.[136]

On October 11, amid the upcoming implementation of OSHA regulations that mandate the vaccination of large workforces for COVID-19, Governor Abbott signed an executive order that prohibits any party from mandating the vaccination of their customers or employees. Abbott once again asserted that the COVID-19 vaccine will always be voluntary in the state of Texas, and accused the federal government of engaging in overreach to "[bully] many private entities into imposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates, causing workforce disruptions that threaten Texas's continued recovery from the COVID-19 disaster."[137] The executive order may conflict with the Supremacy Clause.[138]

In January 2022, the Democrat-controlled Third Court of Appeals upheld a mask mandate enforced by Harris County, ruling that "the Governor does not possess absolute authority under the Texas Disaster Act to preempt orders issued by local governmental entities or officials that contradict his executive orders". The ruling is expected to be appealed in the Texas Supreme Court.[139][140][141]

Testing

edit

As of July 11, 2020, 2.7 million COVID-19 tests have been reported by the DSHS; of these, 2.49 million were viral tests while 217,000 were antibody tests. The total number of tests passed 100,000 on April 9 and passed 1 million on May 28, 2020.[142] In mid-February, the DSHS provided outlines of coronavirus patient protocols to medical facilities statewide. Possible cases were to be reported to local health departments, with potential viral samples to be sent to the CDC in Atlanta.[143] The agency also prepared laboratories to test for the virus within Texas using kits provided by the CDC.[144][145]

The DSHS and TDEM initiated bi-weekly emergency planning meetings with other state agencies after February 27.[144] A laboratory at Texas Tech University in Lubbock became the first laboratory to test for SARS-CoV-2 in Texas.[146] By March 5, six of the ten health labs comprising the state Laboratory Response Network were ready for COVID-19 testing.[147] The Texas National Guard began supporting testing efforts on March 27.[148]

Vaccination efforts

edit

Large-scale vaccination sites, referred to as "vaccination hubs", were established throughout the state beginning in January 2021.[149] As of January 16, 2021, the original number of vaccination hubs was increased from 28 to 79,[150] and on January 14, 2021 Texas became the first state to administer one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccination.[151] As of January 27, 2021, more than two million doses have been administered.[151] By February 2021 more than six hundred providers, including public health departments, vaccination hubs and retail pharmacies,[152] were administering first doses of the vaccines, reaching an allotment rate of approximately 400,000 doses per week.[153] On February 4, 2021, the DSHS reported that almost three million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given to Texas residents. Over two million Texans had received one dose of the vaccine and 620,000 Texans had been fully vaccinated with both the first and second doses.[154]

The vaccine rollout in Texas has faced numerous challenges, including uncertainties in record keeping, prioritization of the order in which groups were deemed eligible to receive the vaccine, and the availability of second doses for those who had already received the first dose.[155][156] As of January 18, 2021, vaccination providers who had received first dose allotments were not automatically being shipped equal quantities of second dose allotments. Instead, the providers were required to request allocations of the second dose through the state government allocation system.[157] A major and catastrophic February winter storm brought record low temperatures, which led to power, food and water outages throughout the state,[158] disrupting hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 vaccine deliveries and appointments.[159][160]

References

edit
  1. ^ Holshue, Michelle L.; DeBolt, Chas; Lindquist, Scott; Lofy, Kathy H.; Wiesman, John; Bruce, Hollianne; Spitters, Christopher; Ericson, Keith; Wilkerson, Sara; Tural, Ahmet; Diaz, George; Cohn, Amanda; Fox, LeAnne; Patel, Anita; Gerber, Susan I.; Kim, Lindsay; Tong, Suxiang; Lu, Xiaoyan; Lindstrom, Steve; Pallansch, Mark A.; Weldon, William C.; Biggs, Holly M.; Uyeki, Timothy M.; Pillai, Satish K. (March 5, 2020). "First Case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus in the United States". New England Journal of Medicine. 382 (10): 929–936. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2001191. PMC 7092802. PMID 32004427.
  2. ^ "Outbreak of Pneumonia of Unknown Etiology (PUE) in Wuhan, China" Archived May 18, 2020, at the Wayback Machine, CDC, January 8, 2020
  3. ^ Beaumont, Peter; Borger, Julian (April 9, 2020). "WHO warned of transmission risk in January, despite Trump claims". The Guardian. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  4. ^ Kuo, Lily (January 21, 2020). "China confirms human-to-human transmission of coronavirus". The Guardian. Archived from the original on July 14, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  5. ^ a b Priest, Jessica (May 7, 2020). "Coronavirus in Texas: Death data suggest COVID-19 undercount possible". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  6. ^ Maciborski, Walt (July 9, 2020). "Former UT football player believes he had COVID-19 in January". CBS Austin. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  7. ^ Mulder, Brandon (May 7, 2020). "Exclusive: Bastrop County judge contracted, recovered from COVID-19, test shows". Austin American-Statesman. Austin, Texas. Archived from the original on May 31, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  8. ^ Plohetski, Tony (May 16, 2020). "Coronavirus was here before we knew it, Austin officials conclude". Austin American-Statesman. Austin, Texas. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  9. ^ Feuer, Will (March 2, 2020). "San Antonio declares emergency after CDC released a woman infected with coronavirus: 'Totally unacceptable'". CNBC. Archived from the original on June 8, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  10. ^ a b "DSHS Announces First Case of COVID-19 in Texas" (Press release). Texas Department of State Health Services. March 4, 2020. Archived from the original on June 2, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  11. ^ Walters, Edgar (March 4, 2020). "Texas man tests positive for coronavirus in Fort Bend County". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  12. ^ Collier, Kiah; Pollock, Cassandra (March 17, 2020). "While other states fighting coronavirus enforce widespread closures, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott goes with a patchwork system". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  13. ^ Vazquez, Tom (April 8, 2020). "Texas ranks in bottom 10 least aggressive states for limiting COVID-19 exposure, website says". KXAN. Austin, Texas: Nexstar Broadcasting. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  14. ^ "Governor Abbott Receives Briefing From State Health Officials On Coronavirus" (Press release). Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. January 27, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  15. ^ "Governor Abbott Joins Secretary Alex Azar, Federal Cabinet And Health Officials, State Governors For Update On Coronavirus" (Press release). Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. January 30, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  16. ^ Fernández, Stacy (January 30, 2020). "Texas officials on the coronavirus: Keep calm and wash your hands". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  17. ^ "Governor Abbott Holds Press Conference On Coronavirus, Declares State Of Disaster For All Texas Counties" (Press release). Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. March 13, 2020. Archived from the original on June 6, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  18. ^ a b Walters, Edgar (March 13, 2020). "Texas governor declares statewide emergency, says state will soon be able to test thousands". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on March 13, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  19. ^ Samora, Sara (March 19, 2020). "Texas Gov. Abbott waives regulations for alcohol delivery, telemedicine, more". Houston Business Journal. Houston, Texas: American City Business Journals. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  20. ^ "Driver license expiration dates extended, DL offices closed due to coronavirus". KFOX14. Austin, Texas. March 19, 2020. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  21. ^ Falcon, Russell (March 18, 2020). "Texas restaurants, bars can now deliver alcohol along with food purchases". KXAN. Austin, Texas: Nexstar Broadcasting. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  22. ^ Rapaport, Wes (March 31, 2020). "Gov. Abbott issues social distancing order through April, closes Texas schools until May 4". KXAN. Austin, Texas: Nexstar Broadcasting. Nexstar. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  23. ^ "Governor Abbott, TDI Ask Health Insurance Providers To Waive Costs Associated With Coronavirus". Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. March 10, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  24. ^ "Coronavirus in Texas 3/19: Supreme Court halts evictions statewide". The Texas Tribune. March 19, 2020. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  25. ^ "Coronavirus in Texas 3/21: At least 325 cases reported in state; Gov. Greg Abbott moves to bolster number of practicing nurses". The Texas Tribune. March 21, 2020. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  26. ^ "Gov. Abbott takes action to expand nursing workforce in Texas". KHOU 11. Austin, Texas: KHOU-TV. March 21, 2020. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  27. ^ "Gov. Abbott Waiving Certain Licensing Regulations for Texas Pharmacy Workers". Spectrum News. Austin, Texas: Charter Communications. March 28, 2020. Archived from the original on April 4, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  28. ^ Knight, Drew (March 21, 2020). "Gov. Abbott lowers regulations to expand nursing workforce during coronavirus pandemic". KVUE. Austin, Texas: KVUE-TV. Archived from the original on April 28, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  29. ^ Weinberg, Tessa (March 14, 2020). "Abbott fast-tracks licensing for out-of-state medical professionals to combat coronavirus". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Austin, Texas. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  30. ^ Morris, Allie (March 18, 2020). "Texas cities, school districts can postpone local elections from May to November over coronavirus concerns". The Dallas Morning News. Austin, Texas. Archived from the original on May 24, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  31. ^ "Texas Covid-19 Pandemic (DR-4485)". Federal Emergency Management Agency. March 25, 2020. Archived from the original on June 14, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  32. ^ Reid, Lauren (March 23, 2020). "Texas receives $36.9 million from CDC as part of allotment from emergency coronavirus bill". FOX7Austin.com. Austin, Texas: FOX Television Stations. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  33. ^ Ferman, Mitchell (March 20, 2020). "Small businesses in Texas can apply for emergency federal loans to help ride out coronavirus pandemic, Abbott announces". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  34. ^ Flores, Rebecca (March 19, 2020). "Texas governor: Schools, bars, restaurant dining rooms must close temporarily due to coronavirus". KVUE-TV. Austin, Texas: Tegna Inc. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  35. ^ "Coronavirus In Texas: Gov. Abbott Imposes Statewide Restrictions For 2 Weeks, No Gatherings Of 10 Or More". CBSDFW.com. Austin, Texas: CBS Broadcasting. March 19, 2020.
  36. ^ "Gov. Abbott issues orders to postpone non-essential surgeries, expand Texas hospital capacity amid warning about lack of beds". KVIA.com. Austin, Texas: News-Press & Gazette. Associated Press. March 22, 2020. Archived from the original on May 18, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  37. ^ Justin, Raga (March 23, 2020). "No abortions in Texas unless the mother's life is in danger, Texas attorney general says as coronavirus spreads". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on June 4, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  38. ^ Justin, Raga (March 25, 2020). "Abortion providers sue Texas over coronavirus-related order". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  39. ^ Tavernise, Sabrina (March 23, 2020). "Texas and Ohio Include Abortion as Medical Procedures That Must Be Delayed". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  40. ^ Kelly, Caroline; de Vouge, Ariane (March 31, 2020). "Appeals court temporarily re-instates Texas order limiting abortion access over coronavirus". CNN. Archived from the original on April 8, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  41. ^ Sparber, Sami (March 30, 2020). "Federal judge temporarily blocks Texas' ban on abortions during coronavirus pandemic". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  42. ^ McCammon, Sarah (April 10, 2020). "Federal Appeals Court Reinstates Texas Abortion Ban Instituted During COVID-19 Crisis". NPR. Archived from the original on April 11, 2020. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  43. ^ Christenson, Sig (March 17, 2020). "Coronavirus threat prompts Abbott to activate Texas National Guard". San Antonio Express-News. San Antonio, Texas. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  44. ^ Svitek, Patrick (March 26, 2020). "Gov. Greg Abbott orders air travelers from New Orleans and around New York to self-quarantine". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on May 26, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  45. ^ Fernández, Stacy (May 21, 2020). "Gov. Greg Abbott lifts coronavirus restrictions for travelers from New York, Georgia and other hot spots". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  46. ^ Svitek, Patrick (March 22, 2020). "Gov. Greg Abbott resists calls for statewide shelter-in-place; moves to expand hospital capacity". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
  47. ^ Fine, Julie (March 22, 2020). "No Shelter in Place Order for Texas, Gov. Abbott Says". KXAS-TV. Archived from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
  48. ^ Svitek, Patrick (March 31, 2020). "Gov. Greg Abbott tells Texans to stay home except for essential activity in April". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on April 1, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  49. ^ Exec. Order No. GA-14 (March 31, 2020) Governor of Texas. Retrieved on 2020-07-11.
  50. ^ "Texas State Parks, Historic Sites Ordered Closed". NBCDFW. NBC Universal. April 7, 2020. Archived from the original on April 14, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  51. ^ "Governor Abbott Announces Temporary Closure Of State Parks And Historic Sites". Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. April 7, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  52. ^ a b c d "Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Establishing Strike Force To Open Texas" (Press release). Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. April 17, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  53. ^ "Gov. Abbott's plan to reopen Texas begins with state parks as COVID-19 pandemic continues". CBS Austin. Austin, Texas: CBS Broadcasting. April 20, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  54. ^ "Governor Abbott Waives Certain Pharmacy Regulations To Increase Workforce Capabilities". Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. April 7, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  55. ^ "Governor Abbott Waives Regulations, Expands Telehealth Options". Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. April 9, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  56. ^ "Coronavirus In Texas: State Effort Underway To Increase Number Of EMS, First Responders During Pandemic". CBS DFW. Austin, Texas: CBS Broadcasting. April 2, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  57. ^ "Gov. Abbott waives more regulations to help healthcare workers join workforce". KTRK. Austin, Texas: ABC. April 5, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  58. ^ "Governor Abbott Temporarily Waives Certain Testing Requirements For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses". Office of the Texas Governor. April 22, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  59. ^ Abbott, Greg; Patrick, Dan; Bonnen, Dennis (May 20, 2020). "To: State Agency Board/Commission Chairs... (May 20, 2020 Letter)" (PDF). State of Texas. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 21, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  60. ^ Pollock, Cassandra (May 21, 2020). "Texas Gov. Greg Abbott instructs state agencies to trim budgets by 5% to prepare for 'economic shock'". KRGV News. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  61. ^ a b Benito, Marcelino (June 25, 2020). "How'd we get here? Gov. Abbott pauses Texas reopening plan as cases continue to soar". KHOU. Houston, Texas: KHOU-TV. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  62. ^ Baker, Peter; Fernandez, Manny; Healy, Jack (April 27, 2020). "Reopening Plans Across U.S. Are Creating Confusing Patchwork". The New York Times. New York, New York. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  63. ^ "Is Texas the first state to roll out a timeline to begin reopening?". Click2Houston. Houston, Texas. CNN. April 18, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  64. ^ Livingston, Abby (March 23, 2020). "Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says a failing economy is worse than coronavirus". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  65. ^ Knodel, Jamie (March 24, 2020). "Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick suggests he, other seniors willing to die to get economy going again". NBC News. NBC Universal. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  66. ^ Duncan, Charles (March 24, 2020). "Backlash after Texas leader suggests older Americans risk coronavirus to save economy". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Fort Worth, Texas. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  67. ^ Sonmez, Felicia (March 24, 2020). "Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick comes under fire for saying seniors should 'take a chance' on their own lives for sake of grandchildren during coronavirus crisis". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  68. ^ "What about younger sick people, Dan Patrick? Fox comments on coronavirus were morbid". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Fort Worth, Texas. March 23, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  69. ^ Kamath, Tulsi (April 7, 2020). "Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick forms task force to restart economy after coronavirus". Click2Houston. Houston, Texas. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  70. ^ Fink, Jack (April 9, 2020). "Coronavirus In Texas: Governor Abbott – 'Aggressive Strategies To Make Sure Texas Is First At Getting Back To Work'". CBSDFW.com. CBS Broadcasting. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  71. ^ Mitropoulos, Arielle (April 21, 2020). "Several states are beginning to lift COVID-19 restrictions despite concerns". ABC News. ABC News Internet Ventures. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  72. ^ Exec. Order No. GA-17 (April 17, 2020) Governor of Texas. Retrieved on 2020-07-08.
  73. ^ Svitek, Patrick (April 17, 2020). "Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announces team to restart the economy, loosens some restrictions". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on April 26, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  74. ^ Price, Asher (April 17, 2020). "Who's on Abbott's Strike Force to Open Texas". Austin American-Statesman. Austin, Texas. Archived from the original on May 21, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  75. ^ Exec. Order No. GA-15 (April 17, 2020) Governor of Texas. Retrieved on 2020-07-08.
  76. ^ Exec. Order No. GA-16 (April 17, 2020) Governor of Texas. Retrieved on 2020-07-08.
  77. ^ a b "Governor Abbott Announces Phase One To Open Texas, Establishes Statewide Minimum Standard Health Protocols" (Press release). Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. April 27, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  78. ^ Exec. Order No. GA-18 (April 17, 2020) Governor of Texas. Retrieved on 2020-07-08.
  79. ^ Feuer, Will (April 27, 2020). "Texas to lift coronavirus restrictions this week, businesses to reopen in phases". CNBC. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  80. ^ Raysam, Renuka (April 27, 2020). "Texas to loosen restrictions on malls, movie theaters in staggered reopening". Politico. Austin, Texas. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  81. ^ Svitek, Patrick (April 27, 2020). "Gov. Greg Abbott to let restaurants, movie theaters and malls open with limited capacity Friday". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  82. ^ Svitek, Patrick (May 5, 2020). "Gov. Greg Abbott to allow Texas hair salons and pools to reopen Friday and gyms to open May 18". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  83. ^ "Governor Abbott Announces Phase Two To Open Texas" (Press release). Office of the Texas Governor. May 18, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  84. ^ "Governor Abbott Announces Phase III To Open Texas" (Press release). Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. June 3, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  85. ^ Swaby, Aliyya (June 18, 2020). "Texas students will return to school campuses this fall, Gov. Greg Abbott tells lawmakers". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  86. ^ Wamsley, Laurel (June 25, 2020). "Texas Governor Hits 'Pause' On Further Reopening Amid COVID-19 Surge". NPR. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  87. ^ "Governor Abbott Announces Temporary Pause Of Additional Reopening Phases" (Press release). Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. June 25, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  88. ^ a b Higgins-Dunn, Noah (June 26, 2020). "Texas rolls back its reopening a day after pausing plans as coronavirus cases rise". CNBC. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  89. ^ Ramsey, Ross (April 25, 2020). "Texas voters: Gov. Greg Abbott is doing better on the economy and coronavirus than President Donald Trump". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  90. ^ University of Texas / Texas Tribune Poll Crosstabs (PDF) (Report). The Texas Tribune. April 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  91. ^ Garrett, Robert T. (May 2, 2020). "Texans wary of flying because of coronavirus, cautious about in-person shopping, Dallas News-UT Tyler poll shows". The Dallas Morning News. Austin, Texas. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  92. ^ Aguirre, Priscilla (May 2, 2020). "Poll: 47% of restaurants in Texas will not reopen Friday". mySA. San Antonio, Texas: Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  93. ^ Gillman, Todd J. (June 3, 2020). "New Texas poll shows virtual tie between Trump and Biden, soft support for Cornyn". The Dallas Morning News. Washington, D.C. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  94. ^ de Pinto, Jennifer; Salvanto, Anthony; Backus, Fred; Khanna, Bakir; Cox, Elena (July 12, 2020). "Virus outbreak reshapes presidential race in Sun Belt — CBS News Battleground Tracker poll". CBS News. CBS Interactive. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  95. ^ a b Dart, Tom (June 27, 2020). "'We opened too quickly': Texas becomes a model for inadequate Covid-19 response". The Guardian. Houston, Texas: Guardian News & Media. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  96. ^ Miller, Maggie; Hellmann, Jessie; Manchester, Julia (May 1, 2020). "Texas set to reopen under political shadow". The Hill. Capitol Hill Publishing. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  97. ^ Duran, Sarah (April 29, 2020). "Mixed Feelings About Texas Shopping Malls Reopening Friday". Spectrum News. San Antonio, Texas: Charter Communications. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  98. ^ a b Platoff, Emma (April 29, 2020). "Health experts give Abbott's plan to reopen Texas mixed reviews, warn state should revive stay-at-home order if surge emerges". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  99. ^ Jaspers, Bret (April 28, 2020). "Governor's Plan To Reopen Texas Generates Mixed Reactions". KERA News. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  100. ^ Leroux, Alex (April 28, 2020). "Restaurant owners in East Texas mixed on reopening with limited capacity Friday". KLTV. Tyler, Texas. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  101. ^ Tilove, Jonathan (April 17, 2020). "Abbott faces crosswinds as he prepares plan to reopen Texas". Austin American-Statesman. Austin, Texas. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  102. ^ Sims, Vince (April 17, 2020). "State Representative Says More Coronavirus Testing Is Needed Before Texas Opens Businesses". NBCDFW. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  103. ^ de Leon, Luis (April 27, 2020). "Medical professionals, politicians react to Gov. Abbott's plan to gradually reopen Texas businesses". KVUE. Austin, Texas: KVUE-TV. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  104. ^ Wallace, Jeremy (May 1, 2020). "Republicans pressure Gov. Abbott to reopen the Texas economy faster". Houston Chronicle. Houston, Texas: Hearst. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  105. ^ Wallace, Jeremy (April 30, 2020). "Growing chorus of Democrats 'baffled' by Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to re-open Texas". Houston Chronicle. Houston, Texas: Hearst. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  106. ^ Goldenstein, Taylor; Wallace, Jeremy (May 8, 2020). "Gov. Abbott's latest order raises more enforcement questions as Texas businesses reopen". Houston Chronicle. Houston, Texas. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  107. ^ Czachor, Emily (July 5, 2020). "Texas, Florida Officials Say Their States' Reopenings Contributed to COVID Spike". Newsweek. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  108. ^ Svitek, Patrick (June 26, 2020). "Gov. Greg Abbott expresses regret over reopening Texas bars during coronavirus". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  109. ^ a b Goudeau, Ashley (May 6, 2020). "Positivity rate: Breaking down the metric Gov. Abbott is using to reopen Texas". KVUE. Austin, Texas: KVUE-TV. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  110. ^ Champagne, Sarah R.; Najmabadi, Shannon (June 24, 2020). "Texas' coronavirus positivity rate exceeds "warning flag" level Abbott set as businesses reopened". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  111. ^ McNamara, Audrey (June 25, 2020). "Texas halts reopening amid surge in coronavirus cases". CBS News. CBS Interactive. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  112. ^ Svitek, Patrick (June 26, 2020). "Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texas bars to close again and restaurants to reduce to 50% occupancy as coronavirus spreads". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  113. ^ Linnane, Ciara (June 26, 2020). "Texas becomes the first state to reimpose restrictions after lifting stay-at-home order on April 30". MarketWatch. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  114. ^ Svitek, Patrick (July 2, 2020). "Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texans in most counties to wear masks in public". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  115. ^ Jackson, Matt (July 13, 2020). "Gov. Abbott Orders Face Masks in All Texas Counties With 20 Or More Cases of COVID-19". NBCDFW. NBC Universal. Associated Press. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  116. ^ a b Svitek, Patrick (July 2, 2020). "Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texans in most counties to wear masks in public". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  117. ^ Weinberg, Tessa (July 2, 2020). "Abbott mandates face masks in most public spaces in Texas to curb COVID spread". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Fort Worth, Texas. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  118. ^ Svitek, Patrick; Pollock, Cassandra (July 9, 2020). "County Republican parties in Texas' GOP strongholds say Gov. Greg Abbott going too far in coronavirus response". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  119. ^ Glynn, Maggie (July 6, 2020). "Mixed reactions to enforcing mask mandate across Texas among city officials & law enforcement". KXAN. Austin, Texas: Nexstar Broadcasting. Nexstar. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  120. ^ Svitek, Patrick (September 17, 2020). "Gov. Greg Abbott loosens coronavirus restrictions for restaurants and other businesses in most regions of Texas". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  121. ^ a b c d Lindell, Chuck. "'You will lose again': Ken Paxton gives Austin till 6 p.m. to lift local mask requirement". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  122. ^ a b Vera, Amir (March 2, 2021). "Texas governor lifts mask mandate and allows businesses to open at 100% capacity, despite health officials' warnings". CNN. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  123. ^ a b Scherer, Jasper (July 29, 2021). "As delta variant spreads, Abbott bans local COVID restrictions in areas with high hospitalization rates". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  124. ^ a b "Covid: Biden says 'Neanderthal thinking' behind lifting of mask rules". BBC News. March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  125. ^ Garnham, Juan Pablo (March 3, 2021). "Texas' local officials blast Gov. Greg Abbott for "irresponsible action" of lifting coronavirus restrictions". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  126. ^ "Reaction Is Mixed To Texas Decision To Lift Coronavirus Restrictions". NPR.org. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  127. ^ Rascoe, Ayesha (March 3, 2021). "'Neanderthal Thinking:' Biden Says Too Soon For States To Lift Mask Mandates". NPR. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  128. ^ Higgins-Dunn, Noah (March 4, 2021). "Texas Gov. Abbott blames Covid spread on immigrants, criticizes Biden's 'Neanderthal' comment". CNBC. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  129. ^ Williams, Jordan (March 10, 2021). "Texas AG looking into 'every avenue' to stop Austin mask mandate". TheHill. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  130. ^ Christina Maxouris, Jason Hanna and Amir Vera (March 11, 2021). "Texas attorney general files lawsuit against Austin leaders over mask requirement". CNN. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  131. ^ Thebault, Reis. "Who makes the mask rules? Despite a Texas lawsuit, the mandate survives in Austin". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  132. ^ Oxner, Reese (March 26, 2021). "Austin and Travis County officials can keep enforcing local mask mandate for now, judge says". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  133. ^ "Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Prohibiting Government-Mandated Vaccine Passports". gov.texas.gov. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  134. ^ Harper, Karen Brooks (June 7, 2021). "Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill to punish businesses that require proof of COVID-19 vaccination". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  135. ^ Eltohamy, Farah (August 12, 2021). "Texas warns Austin restaurants that their liquor licenses could be revoked for requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccinations". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  136. ^ "Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order 39 Prohibiting Vaccine Mandates In Texas". gov.texas.gov. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  137. ^ Allen, Rebekah (October 11, 2021). "Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bans any COVID-19 vaccine mandates — including for private employers". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  138. ^ Levenson, Eric (October 13, 2021). "What will happen when Texas' ban on Covid-19 vaccine mandates conflicts with the federal vaccine requirement". CNN. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
  139. ^ Schneider, Andrew (January 6, 2022). "Harris County can now impose mask mandates, a state appeals court rules". Houston Public Media. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  140. ^ Garcia, Ariana (January 6, 2022). "Texas appeals court upholds Harris County mask mandate, halting Abbott ban". Chron. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  141. ^ Lindell, Chuck. "Ruling against Abbott, Austin appeals court lets Harris County impose mask mandate". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  142. ^ "Texas Case Counts: COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Tests and Hospitalizations)". Texas Department of State Health Services. Retrieved July 10, 2020 – via ArcGIS.
  143. ^ Vandergriff, Caroline (February 12, 2020). "Another Case Of Coronavirus Confirmed In US Among China Evacuees, Texas Preparing For Potential Cases". CBSDFW.com. Dallas, Texas: CBS Broadcasting. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  144. ^ a b "Governor Abbott Receives Briefing On Coronavirus, Provides Update On Precautionary Measures In Texas" (Press release). Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. February 27, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  145. ^ Ackerman, Todd; Goldenstein, Taylor (February 27, 2020). "exas scrambles to prepare for coronavirus outbreak now moving into next phase Todd Ackerman and Taylor Goldenstein". Houston Chronicle. Houston, Texas: Hearst. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  146. ^ Cargile, Erin (March 2, 2020). "How prepared is Texas to test patients for COVID-19?". KXAN. Austin, Texas: Nexstar Broadcasting. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  147. ^ "Governor Abbott, DSHS Announce Statewide Testing Capabilities For Coronavirus". Austin, Texas: Office of the Texas Governor. March 5, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  148. ^ Wallace, Jeremy (March 27, 2020). "Gov. Greg Abbott deploys Texas National Guard to help with mobile testing". Houston Chronicle. Houston, Texas: Hearst. Archived from the original on April 3, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  149. ^ "COVID-19 Vaccination Hub Providers". dshs.texas.gov. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  150. ^ "State Expands Number of Vaccine 'Hubs' to 79, Including 15 in North Texas". NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. January 16, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  151. ^ a b Martinez, Marissa (January 14, 2021). "Texas becomes first state to administer 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  152. ^ "February 8, 20201 (Week 9) COVID Vaccine Allocation" (PDF). Texas Department of State Health Services. February 8, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  153. ^ "Texas to get more than 400,000 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine in Week 9 of distribution". KXAN Austin. February 6, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  154. ^ "Texas DSHS Says 2.75 Million Vaccines Administered, 700K in the Last Week". NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. February 4, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  155. ^ Harper, Karen Brooks; Najmabadi, Shannon (January 20, 2021). "Texas has a problem with its COVID-19 vaccination data, and the stakes are high. Now the state is scrambling to solve it". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  156. ^ Agnew, Duncan (February 4, 2021). "Nearly a year into the pandemic, grocery workers in Texas are more fatigued than ever as they await vaccine access". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  157. ^ "Information for COVID-19 Vaccination Providers". www.dshs.state.tx.us. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  158. ^ Wright, Will; Romero, Simon; Dobbins, James; Diaz, Johnny (February 19, 2021). "Texans Are on the Hunt for Food and Clean Water After Storm". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  159. ^ Harper, Karen Brooks (February 16, 2021). "Hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 vaccine deliveries, injections delayed by winter storm". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  160. ^ "Historic winter storm throws a wrench into COVID vaccine rollout in Texas". Fortune. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Texas_government_response_to_the_COVID-19_pandemic&oldid=1211629744"