The Deep East Texas Trauma Service Area experienced its second straight day of hospitalizations above 15 percent.
On Wednesday, a hospitalization rate of 18.7 percent was recorded. If the rate remains above 15 percent for another five straight days, some businesses will be required to reduce their capacity to no more than 50 percent. Restrictions will be lifted once the rate goes below 15 percent.
On Tuesday, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported that the hospitalization rate for the Deep East Texas TSA is now at 17.8 percent. Yesterday, the TSA was still below the 15-percent threshold at 13.98 percent.
The most recent spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations ended the Deep East Texas TSA’s streak at four days below 15 percent.
Counties in the Deep East Texas Trauma Service Area include Angelina, Nacogdoches, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, and Tyler.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Sept. 17 that counties could reopen businesses to 75 percent capacity and allow the resumption of elective surgeries. Bars were also allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity. However, counties in Trauma Service Areas with over 15 percent COVID-19 hospitalizations for seven consecutive days would be excluded from that reopening.
https://www.ktre.com/2020/12/23/hospitalizations-lufkinnac-area-above-second-straight-day/