The state’s highest civil court initially paused eviction proceedings and debt collections during the coronavirus pandemic. Those moratoriums are being lifted after more than 1.9 million Texans filed for unemployment.
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.
Coronavirus in Texas: State reports largest daily increases in cases and deaths
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.
Gov. Greg Abbott is limiting enforcement of COVID-19 orders, but many cities already took a lax approach
Texas cities and counties have dramatically different interpretations of the state’s COVID-19 emergency orders. Complaint data from a dozen cities shows that disparate approaches to enforcement, particularly among businesses, have been incredibly common.
Texas appeals court allows expansion of voting by mail during ongoing legal fight
The appeals court ruled against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who argued that a lower court ruling expanding who can qualify for an absentee ballot during the coronavirus pandemic should have no effect while he appeals it.
Texas is spending $45 million on new coronavirus tests that prisoners are administering to themselves
The state purchased 300,000 oral swab tests from a months-old California company. So far, only highly-infected prisons are using them for mass testing.
How Lina Hidalgo is navigating coronavirus and conservative backlash in Texas’ biggest county
Harris County has seen new cases plateau under the county judge. But her orders designed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus have generated outrage among some conservatives.
Texas attorney general asks state Supreme Court to step into fight over voting by mail
Ken Paxton, a Republican, wants the state’s highest civil court to tell five counties — all under Democratic control — to follow his interpretation that fear of contracting the coronavirus isn’t a legally valid reason for voters to request absentee ballots.
Coronavirus in Texas: State reports highest one-day COVID-19 tests totals
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.
Texas meatpacking plant reverses course, will allow state to test workers
State health officials say the JBS Beef plant rejected its efforts to test all employees. The company switched gears Wednesday afternoon after the Tribune reported on the lack of testing at a plant tied to a rapidly growing cluster of coronavirus cases.
Texas bar owners say they’re going broke and are desperate for Abbott to lay out a reopening plan
Last month, the governor said he hoped to reopen bars “on or no later than mid-May.” He has since walked back the timeline for when bars can open their doors to customers, saying he needs more input from doctors.



