Residents across Texas have been ordered to stay in their homes for the next four weeks, as confirmed cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continue to climb across the Lone Star State and throughout the entire nation.
Governor Gregg Abbott signed the new order on Tuesday, a significant ramp-up in the state’s battle to curb this growing public health catastrophe.
Texas Order Will Remain in Place Until April 30th
While Abbott’s decree represents the state’s most far-reaching restrictions to date in response to the Texas outbreak, his initial reluctance to label the directive a “stay-at-home” order resulted in some confusion over its scope. Yesterday, however, the Governor released a new video clarifying that the order “requires all Texans to stay at home” except for essential activities until at least April 30th. Schools will remain closed until May 4th.
“Now, I know this is a great sacrifice but we must respond to this challenge with strength and with resolve,” he said.
Essential activities include trips to grocery and hardware stores, pharmacies, and medical appointments. The order also allows Texans to enjoy outdoor exercise, including biking, hunting, and running, so long as they maintain a social distance of 6 feet from others.
Those who violate the order face up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $1,000.
Texas Coronavirus Outbreak Could Peak in Early May
Nearly 4,000 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the State of Texas since the pandemic reached the United States earlier this year. Harris County (680 cases) is hardest hit, followed by Dallas (631), Tarrant (273), and Travis (207). Fifty-eight deaths have been attributed to the Texas outbreak.
Some Texas counties – including Harris and Dallas – implemented their own stay-at-home orders in March, and the streets of Houston have been largely deserted for weeks. But like several other Red State governors, Abbott resisted a state-wide order until President Trump extended national social distancing guidelines to the end of April, finally acknowledging that between 100,000 and 240,000 Americans could lose their lives to the global coronavirus pandemic.
Public health officials estimate that the Texas coronavirus outbreak will peak – reach its worst point — around May 2nd. But that’s only if strict social distancing is maintained across the state.
“If we don’t, and we track along New York City’s infection rate or Italy’s infection rate, not only do we exceed our peak of being able to take care of people, but we push the peak out about another four weeks,” Dr. Paul Klotman, of the Baylor College of Medicine, said during a recent media briefing in Harris County. “So rather than being at home for four weeks, it’s more like eight weeks.””
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