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Gov. Abbott Renews Virus Disaster Declaration

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott holds a face mask
LM Otero
/
AP
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott holds up mask as he talks about the importance of wearing face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during a news conference in Dallas on Aug. 6, 2020.

The extension of the disaster declaration came as three of the state’s largest school districts experienced technical problems on Tuesday as their students started the new school year virtually.

Texas health officials on Tuesday said there had been more than 13,500 reported deaths from the coronavirus, as the governor a day earlier extended the state’s disaster declaration in response to the pandemic.

The extension of the disaster declaration came as three of the state’s largest school districts experienced technical problems on Tuesday as their students started the new school year virtually because of concerns over the pandemic.

When Texas Governor Greg Abbott first issued his emergency order on March 13, state officials hadn’t yet reported any confirmed deaths. Abbott has renewed his order every 30 days since and did again Monday.

Although hospitalizations for COVID-19 have steady declined since a peak in mid-July, Abbott said Texans should remain vigilant in helping to prevent virus spread.

“I urge Texans to take precautionary steps to protect their health by wearing a mask, social distancing, and sanitizing their hands,” Abbott said. “Working together, we will slow the spread and keep our communities safe.”

Associated Press