After the Ebola outbreak, a task force recommended stockpiling protective gear and expanding state powers to deal with infectious diseases. “Tinfoil hats” opposed to big government killed a bill that would have done it, its sponsor says.
Coronavirus in Texas
As the coronavirus spread across the state, The Texas Tribune covered the most important health, economic, academic and breaking developments that affected Texans. Our map tracker showed the number of cases, deaths, tests and vaccinations in Texas from 2020-22.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas politicians adjust campaigns amid coronavirus fears
“I think it would be hard to tell people that I’m out here running to make their lives better while at the same time putting their lives at risk,” said one state House candidate.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Austin health officials say three people being treated for COVID-19; UT and Austin ISD schools close for the day
Two of those positive tests came from people living outside Travis County. Austin health officials said none of the cases are believed to be the result of community spread. UT-Austin’s president also said he is self-quarantining after his wife tested positive.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas prisons, youth lockups cancel visitation after coronavirus disaster declaration
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice said no visitation would be allowed until further instruction Friday. Some county jails, like Harris and Dallas, have also halted visits.
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Coronavirus in Texas
T-Squared: How (and why) we’re covering the coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus is in Texas, and The Texas Tribune is here to help — providing trusted information and helpful context about these rapidly changing events.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Dallas County officials say community spread of coronavirus has occurred in North Texas
Officials made the announcement late Thursday. One out of five new cases disclosed in Dallas County came from someone who has no travel history.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus in Texas 3/12: Dallas-Fort Worth up to 13 cases, Houston area has 17
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.
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Coronavirus in Texas
She’s a Texas nurse who treats cancer patients — and she can’t get a coronavirus test. That’s not unusual.
Unless a patient is sick enough to be hospitalized, state criteria for lab testing are difficult to meet. And state officials have yet to say how many Texans in total have been tested.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texans were already feeling coronavirus’ financial squeeze. Then the cases increased and cancellations mounted.
The state’s oil and gas industry has cratered. Major events have been called off, and tourism across Texas has dipped. It is too soon to tell the statewide economic impact from COVID-19, but Texans are already feeling a pinch.
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Coronavirus in Texas
School districts across Texas suspend classes over coronavirus concerns, prepare for online learning
Some of the districts extending their spring breaks are working on contingency plans to transition hundreds of thousands of students and teachers to remote learning in the event of even longer closures.