GOV. ABBOTT RELEASES COVID-19 MITIGATION PLAN

  

Governor Greg Abbott on Monday announced a series of actions the state is taking to address the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will bring in medical personnel from out of state to assist in COVID-19 operations at Texas health care facilities.

Abbott has also sent a letter to the Texas Hospital Association asking hospitals to voluntarily postpone elective medical procedures in order to increase hospital capacity for COVID-19 patients.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and DSHS will open additional COVID-19 antibody infusion centers around the state.  The infusion centers will treat COVID-19 patients who do not need to be hospitalized with therapeutic drugs that can prevent their condition from worsening to the point of needing hospitalization.

According to Abbott, the existing infusion center in Lubbock will expand capacity this week, and DSHS will launch five new centers throughout the state, beginning today (Tuesday) with a facility in San Antonio.

Abbott is also directing TDEM and DSHS to increase vaccination availability across the state and encourages all eligible Texans to get vaccinated.  To find a COVID-19 vaccine provider, visit covidvaccine.texas.gov.