Texas hospitals reach a new COVID peak on the fifth consecutive day

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Texas set a new record for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 for the fifth consecutive day on Friday, in a continuing upsurge in the disease caused by the new coronavirus after holiday gatherings and travel.

Texas reported 12,481 COVID-19 patients in state hospitals on New Year’s Day, an increase of more than 1,750 from a week ago. Intensive care units in different parts of Texas were full or nearly full, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The grim count continued to climb as some Texans rallied to celebrate the new year, despite warnings from health officials that the congregation was likely to spread the virus further.

On Friday night, the Texas Supreme Court rejected rules banning bars and restaurants in the Austin area from serving lunch, while Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton provided for local officials who said the measure was needed to slow down the spread of the virus. .

A lower court upheld the ban on late-night services until Thursday, Jan. 3, despite objections from the Republican attorney general that it was illegal. According to the U.S. statesman, some city bars remained open past the curfew anyway.

State health officials on Friday reported 12,369 new, confirmed cases of the virus and another 3,658 probable cases. They also count 334 newly reported deaths, bringing the total death toll from the state to 27,771.

It is believed that the actual number of cases is much higher because many people have not been tested yet and some who get sick do not show symptoms.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with pre-existing health problems, the virus can cause serious illness and be fatal.