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Sami Sparber is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin and is returning to The Texas Tribune for her third semester as a reporting fellow. She has been a political unit intern at NBC News and a reporting intern at the Houston Chronicle. She has also worked as managing editor and projects editor at The Daily Texan.
The facilities are still only testing residents and patients who are symptomatic or were potentially exposed to the virus, despite concerns raised by employees and family members about outbreaks. Full Story
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Health care workers are being recruited for trials to test whether a decades-old TB vaccine might help people fight off the coronavirus. It's not a cure, but it could be a crucial treatment. Full Story
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A&M officials say they have the largest public lab capacity in the state, but the federal government won't let them use it for humans. Full Story
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County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s order, which carries a penalty of up to $1,000, drew harsh criticism from GOP officials and members of law enforcement. Full Story
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Residents' families, restricted from visiting in an effort to stop the spread, are pleading for information. Even they aren’t being told how severe the outbreaks are where their loved ones live. Full Story
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GOP officials called it "tyranny" and "government overreach," taking issue in particular with the $1,000 fine associated with violating the mask requirement. Full Story
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The courts volleyed back and forth this week, siding in turns with the state and then with abortion providers. But clinics across the state are responding inconsistently, with some shutting down altogether while they await a final answer. Full Story
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Officials say they're ramping up support by providing more testing across Texas and additional personnel for facilities where the virus has been detected. But people close to the facilities have reported that the state is responding too slowly to the emergency. Full Story
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The court granted abortion providers’ motion to temporarily block the state from enforcing the order, which was set to expire April 21, as it relates to abortions. Full Story
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With Gov. Greg Abbott resisting calls for a statewide stay-at-home order, local officials are tasked with deciding which businesses and employees are essential. This strategy means the rules differ from county to county, and many employees are confused about why they're being called in to work. Full Story
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On Tuesday evening, Texas launched a new system for reporting cases of COVID-19. Officials said the new system will bring the state's count closer to those of counties and other sources that were reporting hundreds more cases. Full Story
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Officials say they're investigating whoever is behind the misinformation campaign, which they say only creates anxiety and fear. Full Story
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President Donald Trump issued guidelines suggesting people avoid groups larger than 10 people. Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott directed state agencies to provide flexible and remote work options to employees. But many government workers still don't have the option. Full Story
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Texas appears to be lagging behind other populous states in testing for COVID-19, but trying to determine how many tests have been given is as confusing as figuring out how to get one. Full Story
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Restaurants in Dallas and Harris counties for now may remain open for drive-through, takeout and delivery, but dine-in service will be prohibited. Full Story
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The drive-thru testing is not open to the general public, city officials said in a press release. Full Story
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Officials said the patient attended a Feb. 28 barbecue at the popular Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, though it's unclear if he had symptoms at the time. Full Story
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The Texas Republican party rejected Log Cabin Republicans asking to participate in the state convention. Democrats say they will work to recruit disillusioned LGBT conservatives. But Republicans aren't worried about mass defections. Full Story
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District officials announced their plans Friday to implement Texas’ so-called Guardian Plan, which lets local school boards authorize specific employees to carry on campus at all times and determine their training standards. Full Story
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The survey on preparedness for active shooter situations and other crises will inform the largest needs assessment on school safety in Texas history. Full Story
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