Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.
Department of State Health Services
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
How many Texans have been tested for the new coronavirus? State data is incomplete. But here’s what we know.
The state isn’t reporting tests conducted by some hospitals and private labs. But the figures available show that Texas could be lagging behind other states. Officials say that’s because the virus showed up elsewhere earlier.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus in Texas 3/13: Shuttered schools can provide students’ lunches, Texas courts allowed to change deadlines
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.
Posted in
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
5 million Texans lack health insurance. Here’s how that complicates the coronavirus response.
Texas has the highest share of uninsured residents of any state, with nearly 18% of people lacking health coverage, and many are unable to take paid sick leave from work. Experts say that makes it harder to contain an outbreak.
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Coronavirus in Texas
What can Texas do if a coronavirus outbreak hits?
While Texas has not yet seen “community spread” of coronavirus, U.S. health officials have told states to begin considering special measures in case of a COVID-19 outbreak.
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State Government
Leader of Texas’ health department leaving after a year for Louisiana job
Courtney Phillips is leaving the state Health and Human Services Commission to take a job as Louisiana’s new secretary of the Department of Health.
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State Government
Toxic algae blooms that kill dogs are becoming more common. And climate change is making it worse, scientists say.
A toxic algae bloom in Austin that killed five dogs caught officials by surprise, but despite how dangerous the blooms are, there’s almost no way for cities to combat them.
Posted inState Government
Texas vaccine exemption rates: Look up your district or private school
In Texas, parents can get their children exemptions from the vaccines required to attend public and private schools for “reasons of conscience.” Use our lookup tool to see how exemption rates have changed in school districts and private schools across the state.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes bill requiring children under 2 to ride in rear-facing car seats
Abbott said the measure “is an unnecessary invasion of parental rights and an unfortunate example of over-criminalization.”
