Laredo Times

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has suspended elective surgeries for hospitals in 75 counties across 11 trauma service areas to make sure beds are available for COVID-19 patients as a surge in cases continues.

On June 25, Abbott issued his original proclamation ordering hospitals in Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Travis counties to make beds available. He added another four counties – Cameron, Hidalgo, Nueces and Webb – five days later. On July 9, his office extended the order to 67 more counties.

Hospitals in those counties must restrict surgeries and procedures to those that save a patient's life or are medically necessary as determined by a patient's physician.

"As these counties experience a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we are committed to working alongside hospitals to help ensure that every COVID-19 patient who needs a bed will have access to one," Abbott said.

The governor's original order allowed for the addition of counties to his order, which he has done twice.

"I want to remind all Texans that each of us have a responsibility to help slow the spread of this virus, and I urge everyone to wear a mask, wash their hands regularly, practice social distancing, and stay home if possible," Abbott said.

As of July 17, Texas reported 307.572 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 3,735 deaths. The latest counties added to Abbott's executive order to suspend elective surgery can be found online.