Gov. Abbott Expands Hospital Capacity for COVID-19 Patients in Rio Grande Valley

Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday suspended elective surgeries at hospitals in Cameron, Hidalgo, Nueces and Webb counties to help ensure hospital bed availability for COVID-19 patients in these communities. This proclamation amends the governor’s previous executive order to include these four counties in addition to Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Travis counties.

Dr. Christian Assad, a cardiologist in the Rio Grande Valley, posted this video on TikTok about the situation in the valley. 

@christianassadmd

Reply to @sadiethebordercollie23 ##COVID19 don’t understand why people turn it into a political agenda…

♬ original sound – christianassadmd

“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,” said Abbott. “We are constantly monitoring the data at the local level and will continue to take precautionary action where it is necessary. 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.”

Under the order, the governor directs all hospitals in these counties to postpone surgeries and procedures that are not immediately, medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition or to preserve the life of a patient who without immediate performance of the surgery or procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death, as determined by the patient’s physician. Through the proclamation, the governor can add or subtract from the list of counties included to address surges in hospitalizations that may arise in other parts of the state.

You can read the governor’s proclamation here.