For a second time since the start of the pandemic, Abbott bans elective surgeries to preserve bed space for coronavirus patients. But this time the hold on the nonessential procedures is only in effect for Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Travis counties.

Texas education officials are planning a light-handed role in coronavirus prevention measures, mirroring Gov. Greg Abbott’s general approach to reopening the state’s economy. Masks and distancing are recommended, but not mandatory.

When Gov. Greg Abbott let businesses start reopening, he pointed to two metrics as encouraging signs: the hospitalization rate and the infection rate. Both of those metrics are on the rise in Texas.