Texas hospitals arrive at the new COVID for the fifth day in a row

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Texas set a new record in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 for the fifth day in a row on Friday, in a continuing rise in the disease caused by the new coronavirus after meetings and vacation trips.

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

The heavy toll has continued to rise as some Texans gathered to celebrate the new year, despite warnings from health officials that the congregation is likely to spread the virus even further.

On Friday night, the Texas Supreme Court overturned rules banning bars and restaurants in the Austin area from offering dinner service at night, siding with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. a local official said the measure was needed to curb the spread of the virus. .

A lower court on Thursday upheld the ban on night service until Jan. 3, despite the Republican attorney general’s objections that it was illegal. But some bars in the city remained open anyway beyond the curfew, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

State health officials on Friday reported 12,369 new confirmed cases of the virus and another 3,658 probable cases. They also counted 334 recently reported fatalities, bringing the state’s total death toll to 27,771.

The actual number of cases is believed to be much higher because many people have not been tested and some who get sick show no symptoms.

For most people, coronavirus causes mild to moderate symptoms that clear up in a few weeks. But for other people, especially the elderly and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause serious illness and be fatal.