Posted on November 19, 2020 at 4:03 PM by TML Staff
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Urgent Updates
With COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations rising in many
areas of the state, is the governor considering another shutdown?
No. In a recent radio interview, the governor made it clear that
another shutdown is not in the works: “We are not going to have any more
lockdowns in the state of Texas. Our focal point is going to be working to
heal those who have COVID, get them out of hospitals quickly, make sure they
get back to their normal lives.”
In furtherance of the governor’s stated goal of getting Texans
out of hospitals and back to their daily lives, the governor has recently touted the distribution of a COVID-19 antibody therapy
drug called bamlanivimab. This new treatment is being used to treat
coronavirus patients with moderate symptoms before they require
hospitalization, with the hopes of lowering hospitalization rates.
Earlier today (November 19), the governor held a press
conference in Lubbock to discuss the distribution of the new treatment, and
expressed optimism that increased volumes of therapy drugs like bamlanivimab,
and the future arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, will assist with the recent
spike in areas across the state. The governor urged Texans to continue
wearing masks and adhering to social distancing practices heading into the
holiday season. Additionally, the governor confirmed that there will not be
another shutdown, and stated that some local officials haven’t adequately
enforced the protocols spelled out the in the governor’s recent executive
order.
While local governments have the ability to enforce the
governor’s orders on masks and occupancy limits, there appears to be little
additional discretion for local officials to take actions to address rising
infection rates at this time. As previously reported, one state appellate court has held
that local governments lack the authority to close certain businesses in a
way that is inconsistent with the governor’s most recent order on re-opening,
GA-32.
Further Updates
Where can I find archived issues of the TML Coronavirus
Updates?
TML Coronavirus Updates are archived by date here and by subject here.
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