The corona numbers in Texas are rising again. Dallas County warns: There are no free ICU beds for children.
Dallas – The delta variant of the coronavirus is spreading rapidly in the United States. Accordingly, the number of infections is rising again. In the past week, more than 100,000 new infections were registered almost every day. The country remains divided over containment measures.
Especially in states dominated by the Republicans, for example, they are resisting compulsory corona vaccination, which US President Joe Biden has ordered in some areas. In addition, there are significantly more people living there who do not want to receive a corona vaccine, which is why Joe Biden’s vaccination campaign has stalled. But the mask requirement in public buildings, especially in schools, is controversial. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, passed an ordinance in July that banned government agencies from requiring the wearer to wear a mask. Schools are also affected by this regulation.
Corona in the USA: No more intensive care beds for children in Dallas
In Dallas County, not only the number of corona cases, but also the hospital admissions of patients with Covid-19 are increasing significantly. County Judge Clay Jenkins announced at a press conference on Friday (August 13th, 2021) that there were no more intensive care beds available for children. “If your child is in a car accident, if your child has a congenital heart defect or something like that, or more likely if they have Covid-19 and need an intensive care bed: We don’t have one. Your child will have to wait for another child to die, ”he was quoted as saying by CNN.
“Your child doesn’t just have to use the ventilator. Your child needs to be flown by helicopter to Temple or Oklahoma City, or wherever we can find a bed. But you won’t get one here. Unless one becomes free. “
Jenkins added that the lack of intensive care beds was related to a lack of staff. “A certain number of beds are allowed in hospitals. Most hospitals assign fewer staff than they have approved beds. You cannot use the beds that are not occupied by staff, “said spokeswoman Lara Anton in view of the worsening corona situation.
Corona in Texas: the number of cases is increasing significantly
Governor Abbot has already responded, announcing that more than 2,500 additional medical personnel will be deployed to control the situation in Texas hospitals. According to official information, there are at least 11,200 corona patients in the entire state. Texas has a population of around 29 million people.
Dallas was one of several Texas counties to file an injunction against Governor Greg Abbott this month. They want to enforce the mask requirement against the will of the Republican in order to contain the corona virus. “Our hospitals and our people urgently need time to free beds and doctors, they don’t get overrun,” says Jenkins.
On Wednesday, an emergency ordinance made masking compulsory in certain indoor public spaces in Dallas County, including schools, regardless of vaccination status. Clay Jenkins accused the governor of endangering the population through his actions in the corona pandemic.
Corona in Texas: Republican Greg Abbott takes action against the mask requirement
Greg Abbot responded immediately with a counter petition, along with Attorney General Ken Paxton. The emergency order violated the governor’s order. “This is not the first time we have to deal with such activists. It’s a déjà vu again, ”said Paxton on Wednesday. “Judges and mayors who want attention resisted orders when the pandemic began. The courts decided for us – the law. ”Paxton hopes that a court decision will be“ in favor of freedom and individual choice ”.
Clay Jenkins responded, “We must oppose these attempts to undermine local control because government works best when it is close to the people. But we must also remember that this is not a battle between Governor Abbott and local officials who happen to be Democrats or on the school board, ”said the 57-year-old. “We are all on the public health team.” Everyone must understand that the coronavirus is the enemy and not the political opposite side. (lrg)
