Texas COVID-19

A day after a federal judge ruled face coverings can’t be required on airplanes and other public transportation, some Texans cheered the decision. But others said they’re still on the fence as COVID lingers.

This week, the Senate failed to pass a bill aimed at extended access to COVID treatment for uninsured patients.

Texas’ Chief State Epidemiologist says nearly 99% of the state population has developed at least some immune response to COVID-19. However, other public health experts caution the virus can be unpredictable.

In Texas, schools are funded based on the number of students enrolled and the daily attendance on campus.

Community-based health clinics are worried that getting a COVID-19 test will be even more difficult for the uninsured, especially after a major source of funding ended last week.

Although child care providers have mostly reopened, 8% have closed permanently since the start of the pandemic — and 57% of Texas counties still qualify as child care deserts.

The past few years of the pandemic have shifted Texas neighborhoods, as both people and places have been lost to the COVID-19 virus. Close to 1 million people have died from the virus in the U.S. since March 2020.

Twenty-five states, including California and New York, preceded Texas in getting federally backed programs up and running to help homeowners suffering financial hardship because of COVID-19.

In many places in Texas, staffing shortages are forcing already burnt out teachers to cover for sick coworkers. The workload is pushing educators to leave the profession, and forcing school districts to do what they can to retain them.

The COVID vaccine is proven safe during all stages of pregnancy, and pregnant patients are at an increased risk of getting seriously ill if they contract the virus. Still, many pregnant women hesitate.