Coronavirus in Texas

The COVID vaccine is proven safe during all stages of pregnancy, and pregnant patients are at an increased risk of getting seriously ill if they contract the virus. Still, many pregnant women hesitate. Full Story 

Texas falls short, again, of the pandemic record for COVID-19 hospitalizations, while daily deaths are expected to continue rising for several more days. Full Story 

Public health officials have played a crucial role in vaccination efforts and tracking the spread of the virus. But different needs from their communities and insufficient aid have complicated the work. Full Story 

Tribune energy and economy reporter Mitchell Ferman moderated a conversation with labor and economic development experts who discussed how COVID-19 has affected Texas’ economy and how businesses, workers and government have responded. Full Story 

People can order up to four COVID-19 tests per household. The White House also announced free N95 masks will be available in major pharmacies and community health centers. Full Story 

Paxton’s office said the Republican “remains working diligently for the people of Texas from home.” Full Story 

Texas will soon surpass its previous COVID-19 hospitalization record. Doctors and nurses say they can’t keep up this pace for much longer and implore people to get vaccinated. Full Story 

Officials in the state’s major metropolitan areas are increasingly scrambling to find health care workers to deal with a wave of patients with COVID-19. Full Story 

Last fall, just as younger Texans received the green light to get vaccinated, omicron came rushing in, sending more of them to the hospital. Full Story 

School district leaders are desperately trying to fill vacant roles to stay open and some say they have no choice but to close. Full Story 

It’s unclear whether the local mandate, which requires businesses to post signs outlining their safety guidelines, is in conflict with Gov. Greg Abbott’s previous pandemic orders. Full Story 

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Biden administration’s mandate that requires federal employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The Department of Justice is appealing the decision. Full Story 

“The situation in Texas is that it probably won’t reach the peak [for cases] until the second half of January,” a top researcher said. Full Story 

Health officials are asking people to stop visiting hospitals for testing and avoid adding an additional strain on the state’s health care system. Full Story 

Many schools are pushing through with plans for in-person classes despite a surge in COVID-19 cases as they try to reassure parents and students they are prepared to open safely this week. Full Story 

The state has already challenged the federal government’s vaccine orders for big businesses, health care workers and federal contractors. Full Story 

The number is surging, though it is still much lower than the peak one year ago. Full Story 

Patrick’s office said he tested positive for COVID-19 last week and experienced mild symptoms but has since tested negative. Full Story 

The governor asked the federal government for help opening test sites in Bexar, Cameron, Dallas, Harris, Hidalgo and Tarrant counties. Full Story 

School officials are putting a greater emphasis on testing, vaccinations and masking to combat the variant’s spread. Full Story