Texas Coronavirus Deaths Spike As Cities Lag State Drive To Reopen

TOPLINE

Two weeks after Texas began to roll back coronavirus restrictions, the Lone Star State counted its largest single-day totals in new cases and deaths as local and state governments grapple for power over reopening.

KEY FACTS

KEY BACKGROUND

Texas has had one of the speediest reopenings in the U.S., with Abbott allowing businesses like most restaurants, retail shops and cinemas to reopen May 1 with caveats in place, like maintaining a capacity of 25%. Hair salons were permitted to open last week with similar requirements. President Donald Trump praised the move via Twitter. On Thursday, Texas counted 43,851 total confirmed coronavirus cases statewide, of which about 40% are active cases. 

WHAT TO WATCH

How many of Texas’ coronavirus-related power struggles will be heard in court. The tension between state and local government control is a familiar one in The Lone Star State that has taken on a new sense of urgency during the pandemic. As the coronavirus tests the power of different levels of Texas government, the winning sides may come to be determined by the judicial system.

FURTHER READING

Texas sees highest single-day hike in coronavirus deaths, cases (Austin American-Statesman)

Texas reports largest daily increases in cases and deaths (Texas Tribune)

Tensions rise as Texas governor readies to lift more rules (Associated Press)

Coronavirus Cases And Deaths Jump In Texas As State Reopens (Forbes)

Trump Praised Texas For Reopening — Some State Lawmakers Don’t Agree  (Forbes)

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