Gov. Abbott responds to increase in Texas Covid cases

 Karen Townsend:

...

There are four actions mentioned. Texas will bring in out-of-state medical personnel to ease the nursing shortage. He is directing an increase in vaccination availability across the state and while there is no vaccine mandate, he does encourage Texans to get vaccinated. One particularly important measure is to open additional COVID-19 antibody infusion centers across the state. And, under the heading of deja vu, Abbott is asking hospitals to voluntarily postpone elective procedures.
...

Additional antibody infusion centers will ease the need for hospital beds. With cases surging again, parts of the state are reporting shortages of ICU beds. Hospitals are approaching capacity or at capacity. Some hospitals are putting up tents for the overflow of patients.
...

The good news is that the vaccination rate is going up in Texas. The governor’s announcement also included news that the state is extending emergency nutritional assistance benefits for August for those struggling during the pandemic.
...

I was one of the early recipients of the vaccine and have had no ill effects from it.  I support people getting the vaccine and they should do so whether or not it is mandated.  One thing we have not seen so far with the surge in cases is an increase in the mortality rate.  The Delta variant has so far not been as lethal.  It has been my experience that the major hospitals in Texas are very good at managing their case load and bed availability.