Texas governor says National Guard could monitor virus testing

Texas Governor Greg Abbott addresses the media about the coronavirus death of Patrick James who resided at the Texas Masonic Retirement Center in Arlington. The press conference was held at the Arlington Emergency Management office, Wednesday March 18, 2020. Texas Governor Greg Abbott (center) addresses the media about the coronavirus death of at the Arlington Emergency Management office, Wednesday March 18, 2020. The Governor was joined by Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams (left), Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley (right) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD (far right). (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS) less Texas Governor Greg Abbott addresses the media about the coronavirus death of Patrick James who resided at the Texas Masonic Retirement Center in Arlington. The press conference was held at the Arlington ... more Photo: Tom Fox, MBR / TNS Photo: Tom Fox, MBR / TNS Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Texas governor says National Guard could monitor virus testing 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday said the National Guard could begin monitoring drive-in testing sites on Monday and prodded the federal government to do more to help states secure more tests and medical supplies to fight the spreading coronavirus outbreak.

The Republican declined at a news conference to follow the lead of other states with a statewide “shelter in place” order. But he warned Texans that it could be coming if they don’t heed his previous orders on Friday that limited social gatherings to under 10 people, closed schools, bars and gyms and banned dine-in eating at restaurants.

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“Stricter standards will be taken,” if necessary, Abbott said. “If you don’t have an essential reason for leaving your home, you should not be leaving your home.”

The announcement came as the Texas Department of State Health Services reported 334 people statewide have tested positive for the virus, up from 304 on Saturday, and officials in Dallas said a man in his 80s has become the sixth Texas with the disease to die.

The vast majority of people who contract the virus recover within weeks. It causes only mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but it can lead to more severe illness, including pneumonia, especially in older adults and people with preexisting health problems.

Abbott did not dissuade big-city mayors in Dallas, Houston and Austin from issuing a shelter-in-place order if they think that is best. He said local authorities have the power to enforce stricter standards than he has so far, and noted that more than 200 counties haven’t had a reported positive coronavirus test.

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Dallas County has the greatest number of cases, with 30, according to the health department. It is followed by Harris County, with 27, and Bexar County, with 24.

Abbott previously told the National Guard to get ready and said Sunday they can help local officials set up medical tents, reboot previously closed hospitals and medical facilities or monitor the traffic at drive-thru testing sites that are sprouting up the state’s major cities.

He said Texas shares the frustration of other states regarding the the federal government's slow response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The governor also urged the federal government to ramp up production of personal protection equipment. He said the state has tried but can’t deliver quickly enough.

“We've tried strategies. And the delivery date's in July. That's not going to work. We need delivery dates tomorrow. The next day,” Abbott said. “And we have ready money to pay for anybody who can sell (personal protection equipment) to uso us. We'll cut you a check on the spot.”

Abbott also announced new measures to free up hospital resources to address the pandemic. He said that he issued executive orders to allow hospitals to treat two patient in a room, rather than one, and directing heath care workers to postpone all "elective or non-essential” medical procedures.

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Bleiberg reported from Dallas

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Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak