Stories by Texas Tribune fellows

The numbers are early — but incomplete — indicators of how dramatically and suddenly the state's economy has collapsed under social distancing orders officials issued to curb the still growing public health crisis spurred by the novel coronavirus. Full Story 

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 

Expectant mothers across the state are worried about finding baby supplies or giving birth alone. So far, Texas hospitals have sharply restricted their visitor policies, but none have prohibited visitors in delivery rooms. Full Story 

To combat coronavirus, hospitals and medical providers were told to cancel procedures and surgeries that aren't urgent. But cancer patients facing delayed chemotherapy treatments say the stakes are higher for them. Full Story 

The number of students with positive tests continues to grow as the University of Texas at Austin is now aware of 211 students who traveled to Cabo San Lucas for Spring Break. Full Story 

Officials in both regions are tracking the movements of nursing home staffers, many of whom work at multiple facilities. Full Story 

As tens of thousands of Texans try to file unemployment insurance claims, they're finding the Texas Workforce Commission's phone lines jammed and website servers overloaded as the agency is swamped by the crush of sudden need. Full Story 

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 

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 

Attorney General Ken Paxton said this week that abortions should not be performed unless the mother's life is in danger, saying health care capacity needs to be preserved for COVID-19 patients. Full Story 

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 

The warning comes one day after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered health care facilities and professionals to postpone all procedures that are deemed “not medically necessary” as the state gears up for an influx of patients with COVID-19. Full Story 

Food banks and nonprofits are providing free meals, internet access and housing assistance. As they face an increase in demand during another coronavirus surge, the organizations are also asking for help. Full Story 

Officials say they're investigating whoever is behind the misinformation campaign, which they say only creates anxiety and fear. Full Story 

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 

Local, state and national leaders are recommending people take a range of actions to protect themselves from the new coronavirus. But for those without homes, many of those measures are next to impossible. Full Story 

Texas has about 2.9 hospital beds per 1,000 people — less than one-fourth the rate of South Korea. Full Story 

The move, which follows similar shutdowns in Dallas and Harris County, also limits gatherings of more than 10 people. Full Story 

Officials say they have to prioritize public health over economic concerns. Meanwhile, people who can't work from home navigate a public health crisis while facing financial uncertainty. Full Story 

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