Texas hospitals reached the new COVID value for the fifth day in a row

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Texas reached a new record for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 for the fifth day in a row on Friday, in a steady rise in the disease caused by the new coronavirus after vacation and travel meetings.

Texas reported 12,481 COVID-19 patients in state hospitals on New Year’s Day, an increase of more than 1,750 from a week ago. Intensive care units in many parts of Texas were full or nearly full, according to the Texas Department of Health.

The gloomy numbers continued to grow as some Texans gathered to celebrate the new year, despite warnings from health officials that the congregation could continue to spread the virus.

On Friday night, the Texas Supreme Court rejected rules banning bars and restaurants in Austin from providing late-night dinner service, siding with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over a local official who said the measure was necessary. to slow the spread of the virus. .

On Thursday, a lower court upheld the service ban until late January 3, despite objections from the Republican attorney general that it was illegal. But some bars in the city have remained open at any time, according to the American author.

State health officials reported 12,369 new confirmed cases of the virus and another 3,658 probable cases on Friday. They also counted 334 newly reported deaths, bringing the total number of state deaths to 27,771.

It is believed that the actual number of cases is much higher, because many people have not been tested, and some who get sick have no symptoms.

For most people, coronavirus causes mild to moderate symptoms that clear up in a few weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause serious illness and can be fatal.