Moving local elections because of the pandemic might seem unremarkable. But it gives voters a rare chance to instantly grade elected officials’ handling of a pandemic and a bad economy, as well as their response to cases of police brutality.
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 A&M and University of Texas at Austin will require everyone to wear masks inside campus buildings
The two flagships are among the first Texas higher education institutions to announce mask requirements this fall.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas has spent more than $200 million on personal protective equipment orders to combat coronavirus
The state has issued purchase orders totaling $1.1 billion for protective equipment, but orders for $638 million worth of items have been canceled.
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Coronavirus in Texas
In rural Texas, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought more accessible mental health care
Mental health services have always been scarce in Texas’ vast rural stretches. But the pandemic has caused the state to lift restrictions on providing care online or by phone.
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Coronavirus in Texas
In Texas, COVID-19 case totals and hospitalizations are rising. The state says prisons and meatpacking plants are key factors.
The 14-day trend line shows new infections in Texas have risen about 71% in the past two weeks.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Inmates report dangerous practices inside the Texas prison with the most coronavirus deaths
The Wynne Unit in Huntsville has had at least 10 deaths connected to the new coronavirus. In letters, inmates said conditions were unsanitary and disorganized, and sick men often went untested.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas to increase coronavirus testing — and study the virus’ impact — in black and Hispanic communities
The state’s data on the impacts of the pandemic on people of color has been incomplete.
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Coronavirus in Texas
As Texas grapples with a pandemic, officials must also prepare for what could be an unusually active hurricane season
State and local officials are adjusting their plans during the coronavirus outbreak to inform residents in the Houston area and along the Gulf Coast of safe steps they could take in advance of the year’s first storm.
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Coronavirus in Texas
When small businesses can’t access PPP, local governments struggle to close the gap
Thousands of small businesses, especially those owned by people of color, have been left behind by the stipulations of the Paycheck Protection Program. In Texas, local governments are lending millions of dollars, and it’s not enough.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas is short of its contact tracing workforce goal by more than 1,000 people
Health officials said there were roughly 2,900 contact tracers working in Texas, short of Gov. Greg Abbott’s initial goal of 4,000 workers by June 1. State officials say it’s enough for the current need.