Abbott extends state disaster declaration as COVID-19 lingers

Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday extended the state’s disaster declaration for all Texas counties in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“Renewing this Disaster Declaration helps ensure that we have the resources and strategies in place to help communities across Texas respond to COVID-19,” Abbott said in a news release. “I urge Texans to take precautionary steps to protect their health by wearing a mask, social distancing, and sanitizing their hands. Working together, we will slow the spread and keep our communities safe.”

Abbott first issued the declaration March 13 as the pandemic began spreading through Texas. Under state law, the declarations expire in 30 days unless renewed by the governor, and Abbott has renewed it every month since.

At the time of his original emergency declaration, there were less than 50 confirmed cases in the state, not including military facilities. As of Monday, there are over 640,000 people with the virus, according to state health officials. Nearly 13,500 deaths have been recorded since the disaster declaration was put in place.

Read more: https://www.statesman.com/news/20200907/abbott-extends-state-disaster-declaration-as-covid-19-lingers