Coronavirus: In Texas, the disease is still running, the deconfinement continues

In a bar in Houston during the Covid-19 pandemic, May 22, 2020. Mark Felix / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

More than 2 million cases and 115,136 deaths in the United States. In several states, contaminations are increasing, such as in Florida, California and Texas. In this state, after a small drop, the number of cases started again.

Publicity

Read more

With our correspondent in Houston, Thomas Harms

Since June 9, Texas health officials have noted a daily increase in new cases.

We report 175 new cases of # COVID19 today, bringing # Houston's total to 9,709. Sadly, deaths increased by four to 153. (1/3) #StopTheSpread #BetterTogether #ProtectTheH #hounews @HoustonTX @houmayor @HoustonOEM @ReadyHarris pic.twitter.com/VL82GRlTxD

  Houston Health Dept (@HoustonHealth) June 13, 2020

According to Greg Abbott, the Republican governor of this state, this increase is due to an increase in tests in prisons.

Two days ago, it was I believe the peak of coronavirus testing in Texas," said Greg Abbott on Friday. It is linked to the tests carried out in prison which returned positive. But they were carried out a long time ago.  "

Since mid-May, deconfinement measures have been implemented in phases in Texas, while the number of contamination cases has not decreased. For example, since this Friday, June 12, restaurants can accommodate 75% of their capacity indoors, just like municipal swimming pools, which they are authorized to open at 50% of their capacity. But as it is over 34 degrees outside, they are crowded.

Wearing a mask encouraged but not compulsory

For doctor David Persse, head of the city's public health authority, the resumption of the pandemic is the “  result of the reopening of the economy. People go out, interact more, combined with the fact that people don't wear masks as much as we would like. Wearing a mask is encouraged but absolutely not mandatory, so people choose not to wear one.  "

Since Thursday, San Antonio has experienced a second wave of coronavirus cases. The town hall asked the governor to reconsider his decision not to make the wearing of a mask compulsory. In vain.

Read also: Donald Trump will resume his meetings, despite the coronavirus

Newsletter Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_FR

  • Coronavirus
  • United States

On the same subject

REPORTAGE

Coronavirus: New York begins deconfinement

Coronavirus: in the United States, the refusal to wear a mask is gaining momentum

Coronavirus: African American workers hit hard