AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Monday acknowledged that recent spikes in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations were “unacceptable” but stopped short of announcing any new requirements to halt the spread of the virus.
“To state the obvious, COVID-19 is now spreading at an unacceptable rate in Texas, and it must be corralled,” Abbott said during a press conference on Monday.
The governor noted that if cases “doubled” by the middle of July, he would consider “tougher actions” to stop the spread of COVID-19.
When asked if he would scale back phased reopenings in Texas, Abbott said he thought the state could “curtail” the virus if guidelines were followed.
“Closing down Texas again will always be the last option,” Abbott said.
Cases have spiked since the state began a phased reopening in May. As of June 3, the state had moved into stage three of reopening, which allows for restaurants to use up to 75 percent of their seating capacity and most businesses to operate at 50 percent capacity.
Abbott’s orders in May prevented cities from issuing fines for not wearing masks in businesses. Austin Mayor Steve Adler (D) last week rolled out an order requiring individuals to wear masks in businesses or face fines of up to $1,000, which Abbott said he would allow.
Abbott said he was personally wearing a mask more than he did in May because of “additional scientific and medical data that has shown that wearing a mask is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of COVID-19.”