Texas hospitals hit new COVID highs for 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 continued increase in the disease caused by the novel coronavirus following vacation meetings 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 various parts of Texas were full or nearly full, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The stark number has continued to rise as some Texans gathered to celebrate the New Year, despite warnings from health officials that the council is likely to continue spreading the virus.

On Friday night, the Texas Supreme Court enacted rules banning bars and restaurants in the Austin area from late-night dining, and sided with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over the local official who said the measure needed was to slow the spread of the virus. .

A lower court on Thursday upheld the night shift ban through Jan. 3, despite objections from the Republican Attorney General that it was illegal. But some city bars stayed open after curfew anyway, the Austin American-Statesman said.

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

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

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