AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott Thursday traveled to the city of Lubbock to hold a briefing with legislators and local leaders on the ongoing COVID-19 response in the region. After the briefing, the Governor held a press conference to provide an update on the state’s continued efforts to mitigate the coronavirus.

In the briefing, the Governor and local and state leaders discussed the strategies that have helped control outbreaks in Lubbock, including in nursing homes.

The leaders noted that even though testing capacity continues to expand in Lubbock, Texans must avoid “COVID-19 fatigue” and continue to comply with health standards — including wearing a mask, social distancing, and staying home as much as possible.

The leaders also discussed the upcoming school year and the Lubbock Independent School District’s strategies to reduce transmission of COVID-19 among students, teachers, and staff in and out of the classroom. 

During the press conference, the Governor commended the Lubbock community for maintaining best health practices and thanked health care workers for their selfless service to their fellow Texans.

Governor Abbott emphasized that Texans must not let their guard down as we approach the school year, flu season, and Labor Day weekend, and he encouraged those who have recovered from the virus to donate blood and plasma to help mitigate the spread.

The Governor also thanked Texas Tech University for its help to expand testing across the state with its robust production of viral transport media.

“I commend the people of Lubbock for their collective effort to keep their families, friends, and neighbors safe as we respond to COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “By following the best health and safety practices, Texas will overcome this challenge and slow the spread of this virus.” 

The Governor has surged a variety of resources across Lubbock and the Panhandle to help combat COVID-19.

Governor Abbott facilitated robust testing across the region, collecting 11,923 test samples over 73 days in 29 locations, including 9,784 test samples over 47 days in 9 locations in Lubbock County.

Additionally, the State of Texas has facilitated testing in 22 counties for residents and staff at 21 nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities, as well as provided disinfection missions at nursing home facilities.

The Texas Department of State Health Services have also distributed cases of the antiviral drug remdisvir to hospitals in Lubbock. 

The Texas Division of Emergency Management has distributed more than 3 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to 22 counties across the Panhandle, including 780,228 masks, over 944,745 pairs of gloves, and 67,712 face shields in Lubbock County alone.

This distribution also includes over 1,356,815 pieces of PPE for independent school districts across the region.

Governor Abbott Holds Briefing In El Paso With Local Leaders, Visits Grand Candela Memorial

AUSTIN – Following his visit to Lubbock, Governor Abbott traveled to El Paso to meet with state representatives and local leaders to discuss the community’s response to COVID-19.

After the briefing, the Governor held a press conference where he gave an update on the briefing and discussed El Paso’s ongoing efforts to combat the spread of the virus. 

Upon the conclusion of the press conference, Governor Abbott visited the Grand Candela memorial to honor the 23 victims of the Cielo Vista Walmart shooting.

During the briefing, the Governor and leaders discussed El Paso’s collective efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The leaders talked about the strategies in place to protect communities most at risk for contracting the virus, including the Hispanic community and those with underlying health conditions.

The leaders also discussed El Paso County’s strategy to reduce the spread of coronavirus among the homeless population, as well as the establishment of the Cluster Management Task Force and virus mitigation teams.

Governor Abbott and leaders highlighted ongoing future needs that may arise at local hospitals, including certain nursing capacities and requirements, due to the confluence of COVID-19 and flu season.

In the press conference, Governor Abbott commended the people of El Paso for embracing the use of masks and face coverings which has helped decrease the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

The Governor also emphasized that there are more than enough testing sites and equipment available in El Paso, and encouraged Texans to continue to seek testing for COVID-19 if needed.

Additionally, the Governor called on El Pasoans and Texans across the state to remain vigilant, follow safe health practices, and avoid large gatherings as the Labor Day weekend approaches. 

“El Pasoans have proved time and again that we can overcome any challenge by working together,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the state and local leaders who work tirelessly to ensure the El Paso community is safe as we respond to this virus. By wearing a mask, practicing social-distancing, and washing your hands, Texas will defeat COVID-19 together.”

Governor Abbott has secured a variety of resources for El Paso County, including more than 3 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Of this amount, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has distributed 1,300,420 pieces of PPE to local independent school districts, which includes 1,272,900 masks and 13,836 gallons of hand sanitizer.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has distributed several cases of remdesivir to hospitals across El Paso County.

Additionally, the Governor facilitated testing for residents and staff at 38 nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities, provided 10 disinfection missions at nursing home facilities, and secured resources to help meet health care staffing needs within the county.

The state has also assisted with testing capacity in El Paso by collecting 71,383 test samples in 24 locations.