Texas Coronavirus Spike Continues: 3rd Straight Day Breaking Hospitalization Record

TOPLINE

Texas has again hit a new high for patients hospitalized for the coronavirus, with Sunday’s 2,287 reported cases marking a third straight day the state set a new record for hospitalizations, after the past few days brought a record surge in new cases just over two full weeks after Memorial Day.

KEY FACTS

KEY BACKGROUND

Texas is one of several states experiencing a spike in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. States like Arizona, Florida and South Carolina have also set records over the past few days for new cases as experts are concerned reopening efforts, combined with large gatherings seen on Memorial Day as well as for protests following the death of George Floyd, have led to a resurgence in coronavirus spread in some areas.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Though hospitalizations have continued to rise, the state is still far from reaching its health care capacity, reporting 14,660 beds available as of Sunday. However, officials in Houston are warning that cushion may not last much longer with how rapid the coronavirus seems to be spreading, as they look to potentially refit NRG Stadium into a temporary hospital.

“I’m growing increasingly concerned that we may be approaching the precipice of a disaster,” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said Thursday.

TANGENT

At least three parks in the Austin area had to be closed down on Sunday. Officials there said they were concerned about overcrowding after parks reached their maximum capacities.

FURTHER READING

Texas Shatters Record For New Coronavirus Cases (Forbes)

Here Are All The States Where Coronavirus Cases Are Spiking (Forbes)

Houston weighs another lockdown as coronavirus cases surge (CBS News)

Third Travis County park closes Sunday to overcrowding (Austin American-Statesman)