As the number of Texans with COVID-19 goes up, Governor Greg Abbott is making moves.
The Governor has extended the disaster declaration for all Texas counties in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The order was originally given on March 13th. The Governor is also expected to issue an executive order this week outlining how he will re-open businesses in the state.
Late on Saturday night the Texas Supreme Court stayed a lower court ruling, and that means the Governor's order restricting the inmates that could be released from jail is in effect. Joe Gamaldi with the Houston Police Officers Union says it's one step in the right direction.
"We can at least try to keep these violent criminals on a bond, in jail if they can't make bond, for the safety of our community, and it's a bond that's appropriate for the risk that they pose to the community," Gamaldi explained.
At the Harris County jail, 49 jail workers and 25 inmates now have COVID-19.
Overall, the number of COVID-19 cases in the Houston area are now up to 5,388; Houston itself has 2,124, and Harris County has 1,505. Eighty six people in the area have lost their lives. Texas has 13,886 cases and 296 people have passed away.
Researchers now say the peak for COVID-19 in Texas will happen on April 26th. That has been pushed back from April 19th.
The virus impacting Easter services; about 120 people attended one of two services at Glorious Way Church in the Champions Point area of north Harris County. They did use social distancing.
The Lakewood Church held their service online with Mariah Carey and Tyler Perry making appearances remotely.