ABBOTT “NO NEED FOR SHELTER IN PLACE–RIGHT NOW”

  

Governor Greg Abbott said Sunday, he sees no need right now for a statewide shelter in place order.

Abbott said he wants to see the full effects of the executive order he issued Thursday, banning gatherings of more than 10 people and closing numerous establishments for two weeks.

Abbott noted some areas of Texas haven’t had many people test positive for the virus, saying what may suit one area of Texas may not be needed elsewhere.

He went on to say, local officials are free to adopt more aggressive measures and he welcomes their doing so.

Also Sunday, the Governor directed all licensed health care professionals and facilities to postpone all surgeries and procedures that are not immediately, medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition or to preserve the life of a patient.

The Governor also suspended certain regulations to allow for increased occupancy of hospital rooms — meaning hospitals will be able to treat more than one patient in a patient room, increasing their ability to care for the growing number of COVID-19 patients.

As of Sunday afternoon, there are 15 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Brazos Valley. Twelve are in Brazos County, two in Grimes County and one case is confirmed in Milam County.