Texas hits another milestone in the re-opening of the economy today. 'Retail to go' starts gets underway. Multiple malls including Memorial City and The Woodlands are participating. You can read more about that HERE. Governor Abbott says he'll be opening more businesses like hair salons and restaurants for dine-in eating in early May as part of a new executive order.
While there is no cure yet for the virus, William Bryan with the Department of Homeland Security, at the Coronavirus Task Force briefing, says Covid-19 doesn't like it hot.
"Heat and humidity is a weakness in that chain. Sunlight, solar light, and UV rays are also weaknesses in that chain," Bryan said.
The city of Houston reported 71 new cases, but for the fourth straight day, no one in the city died from the virus.
The Greater Houston area reported 207 cases. 11 people died to bring the area total to 171.
Texas reported 906 cases yesterday. The state death toll at 604 after 35 deaths were reported yesterday.
Elsewhere:
- Houston Methodist and Memorial Hermann hospitals say they are seeing a decline in non-Covid-19 emergency room visits. They say it's because of fear over getting the virus.
- Montgomery County officials say 21 coronavirus cases are linked to a pair of Park Manor nursing homes in the area.
- We are spending our stimulus money on the lottery. Officials say scratch off ticket sales surged to $112 million.
- And H-E-B is now offering express two-hour delivery from their stores.