Congressman Veasey and Members of Texas Congressional Delegation Urge Governor Abbott to Reinstitute COVID-19 Safety Measures in Texas

WASHINGTON– Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) and Members of the Texas Congressional Delegation called on Governor Greg Abbott to reinstate tougher COVID-19 safety measures. Rising case counts have hospitals nearing intensive care unit (ICU) capacity as Texas pursues one of the most aggressive economic reopening strategies in the nation.

Congressman Veasey was joined by fellow Texas Congressional Members Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Al Green (TX-09), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Filemon Vela (TX-34), Veronica Escobar (TX16), and Joaquin Castro (TX-20) in urging Governor Abbott to reinstitute tougher public health measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus and flatten the curve in Texas.

"As we've said before, Governor Abbott was slow to act, and, now, he is slow to stem the spread of this virus," said the Members of Congress. "The Governor's approach leaves hospitals across the state at a critical juncture as ICU beds now begin to fill at a rapid pace. You should reinstate public mask mandates, require social distancing protocols and consider reinstating a stay-at-home order as recommended by health care experts in order to protect the people of Texas."

The Texas Department of State and Health Serviceshas identifiedHidalgo County in the 15th District of Texas and nearby South Padre Island as COVID-19 hotspots.

According to Johns Hopkins University, Texas's seven-day average of COVID-19 cases hasjumped 86% compared to a week ago and Texas has reported record hospitalizations and daily increases in COVID-19 cases.