Medical workers treat a patient with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) intensive care unit of the United Memorial Medical Center in Houston, Texas, USA, 29 of June 2020.
Callaghan O’Hare | Reuters
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order Thursday requiring residents across the state to cover their faces in county public spaces with 20 or more positive Covid-19 cases.
“Wearing a covered face in public has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Abbott said in a press release.
“We have the ability to keep business open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a salary, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect each other, and that means wearing a mask in public spaces. “he added.
The decision was made because the percentage of total tests that tested positive and the hospitalization rate increased too much, Abbott said.
“Both danger zones have now been activated,” said Abbott.
On Wednesday, the state reported 8,076 new cases in a 24-hour period, a record peak, according to the state health department. The virus has now infected more than 168,000 people in the state and has killed at least 2,481, according to the state.
In comparison, New York State had about 10,000 new cases daily at the height of its pandemic earlier this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recommend that people use them as a way to slow the spread of the virus. Scientists say the virus can be spread through respiratory drops that are passed when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Studies suggest that masks can serve as a useful barrier.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
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