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COVID-19 cases across Texas spike in the last two weeks

Posted at 5:14 PM, May 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-18 18:20:35-04

Data shows a spike in COVID-19 cases across Texas, but also an increase in testing.

In the last two weeks, and since phase one of reopening, nearly 2,000 cases have been reported.

"It has been a change, some people are ready to go back and some people still want to work from home," said Kelly Craine with the Waco Health Department.

Health officials say McLennan County has been doing well.

"We did not have the big spike so we are in the mode in case that happens, we are in pandemic mode and will stay in pandemic mode," Craine said.

While the state is also in pandemic mode, the increase continues.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the number of cases reported each day has grown from an average of 918 during the week before May 1st, to 12,000 cases this week.

The number of testing in the state is also growing.

Since May 1st, the Texas Tribune reports the number of new tests has grown daily by 36%.

On Saturday, 700 new cases were reported in the Amarillo region as a result from a targeted meatpacking plant.

Officials say hot-spots like the meat plant will require a surge team to control it.