Gov. Greg Abbott, Vice President Mike Pence urge Texans to wear face coverings

The governor said the concern beyond the number of cases is in the positivity rate, which he said has increased from 4.27% on May 26 to well over 13% on June 28. Daily cases have also increased from 2,000 per day to more than 5,000 per day. On June 28, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported 5,357 new cases, the sixth straight day over 5,000.

“The positivity rate shows a measurement,” Abbott said. “Over 10% would be an alarm to rein in the spread of COVID-19.”

Several cities and counties throughout Texas have enacted face covering mandates. No such guidance has come from the state or federal governments. While saying the economy needs to reopen to allow Texans to put food on the table and pay rent, Abbott also asked residents to stay home when possible.

“Don’t go out unless you need to go out,” Abbott said at the press conference.

Pence, visiting Texas for a “ground report” with the governor and his team on Sunday, said residents should listen to their local health officials when it comes to slowing the spread of coronavirus. He also encouraged Texans to wears masks where social distancing cannot be maintained.

“We’re with you, and we’re going to stay with you,” Pence told Abbott. “Texas and your health care system will have the supplies to meet this moment.”

Birx supported the push for wearing face coverings, saying new information confirms it protects the wearer from spreading and possibly contracting the disease.

According to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas has 148,728 confirmed coronavirus cases and 2,393 fatalities as of June 28.