Scaremongering & Overreaction about Texas

Scaremongering<p>

What to Know: Texas state Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) says “we’re at the edge of a cliff” and that “After these next few days, we will not have enough beds to care for all of the incoming #COVID19 patients. Then people die.”

The TPPF Take: This is just scaremongering, and it’s irresponsible.

Walking Back the Warnings

What to Know: CEOs across the Texas Medical Center in Houston are walking back a previous message that led many in the media to panic. “We realize that the letter issued by the Texas Medical Center yesterday afternoon caused unnecessary alarm,” they write. “Our intent was to educate Houstonians and not alarm them about capacity, which is not an immediate concern.”

The TPPF Take: It’s important to put the COVID-19 numbers in context.

“Context is what’s lacking in too many media reports—and official responses,” says TPPF’s Vance Ginn. “Texas has the most estimated recoveries in the nation and the second lowest fatality rate. Let’s keep that in mind as we continue to responsibly reopen the economy and regain our prosperity.”

Dallas is Prepared, As Well

What to Know: Dallas hospital officials also say the city can handle a possible surge in COVID-19 cases. They won’t need to open a planned “pop up” hospital at the convention center.

The TPPF Take: Statewide, deaths continue to trend down and positive outcomes continue to increase.

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