Sen. Lee - self quarantined per Lookner. Spent two hours with Rand Paul at luncheon.
With Abbott’s EO, to direct hospitals to postpone any elective, or non-life saving surgeries.
He’s also EOd nursing situation...retired, students, etc.
EOd regs to allow 2/patients/room, in every facility.
These measures will increase TXs bed situation by 50%.
Abbott naming several docs to assist with statewide procurement and logistics.
Penalties for not following existing executive orders/hc emergency orders.
Shelter in place has been raised.
We need to see the levels of effectiveness of exisiting orders.
Many counties in TX have 0.
Cases are increasing.
What may be right for places with large urban areas, might not be right for other TX counties.
Local officials have authority to order stricter standards...they have fuller authority.
At this time, not appropriate to mandate across TX.
Will remain flexible to take further measures to combat.
Meantime...EVERYONE in the State of TX to know and understand exisiting EO orders....no gatherings more than 10, drive thru restaurants, only.
TX Gov. Abbott presser: 330 cases, 6 deaths (500 cases presumptive and Lackland AFB not included)
Finally got the tests and are testing. Still inadequate supply.
Waived requirements for nurses. Nursing students and retired nurses can work. Fast tracks permits for out of state professionals.
No elective surgeries.
No private hospital rooms. More than one patient per room.
Task force organized to look globally for CV supplies. More beds and more staff. Get daycare facilities for healthcare workers.
Violators of stay home orders can be fined up to $1000 and jail time. (and right now some people and their dog just went by in a boat)
Local level governments can make stricter rules. (and another boat just went by)
NG to help hospitals with drive thru testing, setting up medical tents, get closed medical facilities re-opened, etc.
State Health guy - TX in early community spread. No idea when peak will come.
Questions:
Back to Abbott - No idea when schools will be opened. Anyone willing to get us PPEs, he will cut them a check on the spot.