Area News

Governor Abbott expands local authority on outdoor gatherings, directs HHSC to enact emergency rules to increase safety at child care centers

Wed, 06/24/2020 - 11:00pm

AUSTIN – June 23 - As COVID-19 cases rise in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the ability of mayors and county judges to impose restrictions on outdoor gatherings of over 100 people. Previously, this applied only to outdoor gatherings over 500 people. The Governor has also directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to enact emergency rules that provide strict health and safety standards and procedures related to COVID-19 for child care centers in Texas. These two actions are based on data showing an increase in COVID-19 transmission stemming from large gatherings and child care centers.

Hit the road (virtually) for the Census in Texas

Wed, 06/24/2020 - 11:00pm

Thousands of “travel-ers” will join a virtual road trip next week to explore the wonders of Texas, from the Gulf Coast and Piney Woods to the far reaches of the Pan-handle and the Rio Grande and everywhere in between. Using real-time satellite maps and live streams, Texans will undertake a unique journey on the Texas Counts Virtu-al Road Trip, celebrating the state while making an historic attempt to increase respons-es to the 2020 Census. As of June 17, 2020, only 56.1% of Lone Star residents had com-pleted their questionnaires, making Texas 41st among the 50 states. This low response rate endangers billions of dol-lars in future funding and the state’s representation in Con-gress.

Planning Summer Travel Ahead of Fourth of July

Wed, 06/24/2020 - 11:00pm

The Fourth of July has become one of the most popular times of year in the U.S. for traveling, but summer vacations may look different this year. COVID-19 cases are rising in Texas, causing many to re-evaluate their Fourth of July plans. Although state government has allowed most businesses to reopen and travel restrictions have expired, Texans are still wondering how they can stay safe on their holiday vacations.

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