Abbott’s decision to curb the role of local health authorities in school reopening decisions has added to the ongoing conflict between him and local governments during the pandemic, with mayors and judges voicing frustration over having their hands tied by the state’s response.
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
UT-Austin will test 5,000 people a week for coronavirus and cover out-of-pocket costs for students
The university plans to test all of its campus residence hall students by the beginning of September. It will continue to identify individuals or groups on campus strategically to test those at a higher risk of disease spread and perform random testing.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Five lawmakers sue Gov. Greg Abbott over $295 million contact tracing deal
“The Texas Constitution requires a separation of powers, and that separation leaves policy-making decisions with the Texas Legislature,” argues a lawsuit from five of the Legislature’s most conservative members.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Private schools in Texas limit enrollment as they aim to reopen classrooms
Dependent on tuition money, private schools are eager to get children back into their classrooms. But they know inadequate safety measures could make them vulnerable to lawsuits.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: The Texas Legislature can meet for up to 140 days. The pandemic raises a question: Should it?
The Legislature starts its next regular session in January and can meet for up to 140 days. That gives lawmakers time to consider more than 6,000 bills. During a pandemic, they might want to do a lot less.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Watch Gov. Greg Abbott address the need for more hospital beds in the Rio Grande Valley at 2:45 p.m.
The governor will be speaking at the McAllen Convention Center, which was recently converted into a hospital to help meet the region’s needs during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott stresses local school officials “know best” whether schools should reopen
Abbott said the state will provide schools with personal protective equipment to prepare for the new year.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Why Texas’ coronavirus data comes with caveats
It’s hard to collect good numbers on an unknown virus, and Texas health officials have made errors. But experts say the state’s coronavirus data is useful as long as users understand its limitations.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Federal agents are expelling asylum seekers as young as 8 months from the border, citing COVID-19 risks
Thousands of migrant children have been expelled by the Trump administration since March. Some have been held in hotels without access to lawyers or family. Advocates say many are now “virtually impossible” to find.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas sales tax collections went up in July — and were higher than one year ago
Texas collected $2.98 billion in sales tax revenue in July — 4.3% more than in July 2019. Comptroller Glenn Hegar said the number was “better than expected.”