<a href="https://www.caller.com/story/news/columnists/john-moritz/2020/07/10/how-politics-pandemic-collided-dust-up-over-state-gop-gathering/5413496002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The planned Texas Republican convention: When politics and a pandemic collide</a>  <font color="#6f6f6f">Corpus Christi Caller-Times</font>
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Remdesivir is reportedly showing promise, but there’s no guarantee the initial reports will lead to a commercially available treatment for COVID-19. USA TODAY

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AUSTIN — Ideally, political conventions provide a chance for the hosting party to showcase unity, demonstrate efficiency and sing loudly and with gusto the praises of their leaders.

But but there’s nothing like a worsening pandemic to scramble that ideal like a dozen eggs at Sunday breakfast.

The first real sign that trouble was brewing for the Texas Republican Party’s state convention came just after Gov. Greg Abbott made an impassioned – but not yet mandated – plea that everyone wear a mask in public settings in an effort to tame the renewed coronavirus spike.

Two days later, Texas GOP Chairman James Dickey seemed to brush aside the Republican governor’s request and said masks would be optional for the 7,000 or so delegates and alternates to the party’s convention, planned for July 16-18 in Houston.

More: Masks optional at Texas GOP state convention, despite Abbott face-covering encouragement

From there, things escalated – and we’re talking about both the frightening strain on the state’s heath care system and the posturing on issues related to putting together so many people inside a confined space with a contagion, perhaps literally, hanging in the air.

Calls came for the GOP to follow the lead of the Democrats in June by moving the gathering to an online-only platform. The party resisted. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a Democrat holding a non-partisan office, joined the calls for scuttling plans to meet in person.

But then he put a loophole in an earlier executive order to limit large gatherings in city-owned buildings, which includes the George R. Brown Convention Center, that would have allowed the GOP event to move forward. Better for the GOP to pull the plug on itself than to have a Democratic mayor force their hand, the thinking went.

More: Houston Mayor Turner pulls the plug on state Republican convention, citing COVID-19 concerns

In TV interviews in late June and early July, Abbott to took a hands-off approach to the controversy. But after the Texas Medical Association, which represents some 53,000 physicians – many of them on the front lines of the pandemic – publicly urged that the in-person convention be canceled, the GOP decided to put it to a vote.

Interestingly, the debate by members of the State Republican Executive Committee leading up to the vote was held online. And for three hours on the eve of the Fourth of July weekend, the committee unmasked (forgive the pun) a deep split among the group of committed GOP activists.

Some argued that the in-person gathering was essential to a party that places a premium on liberty and personal responsibility. And some accused Abbott of overreaching his power when he finally did impose a statewide mask order.

More: Greg Abbott issues statewide mask order for Texas counties with 20 or more COVID-19 cases

Others countered that the dangers presented by the virus should not be minimized, and warned of the bad optics that would follow if the convention could be tied to an even greater uptick in COVID-19 cases.

That was followed by cries that the optics would be even worse for President Donald Trump if convention delegates in the nation’s most reliably Republican large state were cowed into meeting online.

In the end, the vote was 40-20 to go ahead with the in-person gathering. 

Curiously, after the vote, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, one of the GOP’s loudest voices for reopening the economy and getting Texas back to normal, said he agreed with the 20 who voted no because he didn’t want to risk further spreading the virus. He also pointed out that countless numbers of delegates have signaled their unwillingness to attend.

Perhaps even more curiously, when Turner finally did step and effectively cancel the convention center’s contract with the GOP, Patrick accused him of playing politics.

“This was nothing but a political hack job by Mayor Turner,” Patrick told Fox News.

One final curious note: Before Turner pulled the plug, the state GOP announced that “all the elected officials” had dropped plans to address the convention delegates in person. Instead, they would appear only by video “to get everybody in and out of here as quickly and as safely as possible.”

John C. Moritz covers Texas government and politics for the USA Today Network in Austin. Contact him at jmoritz@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @JohnnieMo.

Moody High School hosts parade for seniors, Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Seniors decorated their cars and wore cap and gowns.
Moody High School hosts parade for seniors, Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Seniors decorated their cars and wore cap and gowns.
Matt Timmerman cleans Corpus Christi Family Martial Arts Academy in preparation to reopen, Thursday, May 28, 2020. Day camps across the state are preparing to reopen.
Matt Timmerman cleans Corpus Christi Family Martial Arts Academy in preparation to reopen, Thursday, May 28, 2020. Day camps across the state are preparing to reopen.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi associate professor Chris Bird gives a presentation on local COVID 19 projections at City Hall on Friday, May 29, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Thursday, May 14, 2020.
Dani Martinez films live training sessions for her clients, Friday, April 3, 2020, at Prime 361 Performance. Martinez trains more than 100 athletes in the Corpus Christi area as well as the strength and conditioning coach at Banquete High School.
Kiersten Lopez prepares to throw the ball during a practice with her twin sister, Kaylle, Thursday, March 26, 2020, at Sinton High School. Both athletes are committed to University of Houston-Victoria.
Four-year-old Keeley Mahan does her schoolwork, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in Portland. Her mom, Jennifer, teaches her during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A patient with coronavirus is wheeled into a hospital in Agen.
Coronavirus prevention signs inside the Nueces County Courthouse on Friday, March 13, 2020.
Charlie Hicks discusses the auto industry's response to the coronavirus, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at Ed Hicks Nissan. Hicks is the owner of the Ed Hicks dealerships.
Charlie Hicks discusses the auto industry's response to the coronavirus, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at Ed Hicks Nissan. Hicks is the owner of the Ed Hicks dealerships.
Charlie Hicks discusses the auto industry's response to the coronavirus, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at Ed Hicks Nissan. Hicks is the owner of the Ed Hicks dealerships.
Flawless Barber Shop reopens for business on Friday, May 8, 2020 as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to reopen after coronavirus closures.
Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard tested for COVID-19 Tuesday at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard test for COVID-19 Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard test for COVID-19 Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard test for COVID-19 Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard test for COVID-19 Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
A member of the Texas National Guard works at a free coronavirus testing site at the McNease Convention Center on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.
A member of the Texas National Guard works at a free coronavirus testing site at the McNease Convention Center on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.
A hospital worker checks the temperature of a coworker at a pedestrian walkway at Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas on March 25, 2020 in Austin, where almost all visitors have been prohibited amid the coronavirus outbreak.
A member of the Texas National Guard, right, talks to a patient at a coronavirus testing site at the McNease Convention Center on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.
Kosmo Salon reopens for business on Friday, May 8, 2020. Barbershops and nail salons reopened on Friday, May 8, 2020 as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to reopen after coronavirus closures.
Nathan Heckt, chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court, says the court has removed some coronavirus-inspired consumer protections as the state begins to reopen its economy.
Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard test for COVID-19 on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Dayana Solia takes menus from customers Lexie Belche, left, and Aleza Ruiz at Juan in a Million on East Cesar Chavez Street in Austin, Texas, on May 1. Ruiz called the restaurant at 7 a.m. to see if it was open after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the gradual reopening of Texas businesses amid the coronavirus outbreak. All retail stores, malls, restaurants, movie theaters, libraries and museums must limit customers to 25% of their listed occupancy.
Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard tested for COVID-19 Tuesday at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard test for COVID-19 on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard tested for COVID-19 Tuesday at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard tested for COVID-19 Tuesday at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard tested for COVID-19 Tuesday at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Sky Cinemas in Dripping Springs has closed permanently amid the coronavirus pandemic. The theater opened in 2018.
Anna Stoller and Kyle Kimery had their officiant on a Zoom call for their April 25 wedding during the coronavirus pandemic.
Jane Miller rests in the backseat of her car outside of Hospice Austin's Christopher House in Austin on March 24, 2020. Her daughter, Cynthia Marka, 43, has been at hospice for nearly a week. Because of the coronavirus threat, the facility is limiting the number of visitors that can see Cynthia to two at a time. Jane and her husband, Truman, visit their daughter in shifts. At night Jane or Truman will sleep in the back seat of their car in the hospice parking lot while the other stays with Cynthia and her husband Erik through the night.
A federal judge said Tuesday that all Texas voters can apply for mail-in ballots during the coronavirus outbreak.
Families pick up their free breakfast and lunch that was delivered on a school bus to Park Place at Loyola apartments in late March. The Austin district continue to provide free meals to its students and their parents, including on weekends, amid the school closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Anna Stoller and Kyle Kimery got married on April 25 at his grandmother's property in Blanco. The wedding had to be done via Zoom for some of the guests and the officiant because of the coronavirus.
A group of people gather outside the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless on March 23, at a time of mandated social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Christopher Matos wears a bandana over his face while running on East 7th Street on Monday April 6, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. Austin and Travis County are recommending the use of fabric face coverings when away from home to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Gov. Greg Abbott, flanked by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, left, and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, speaks during a press conference at the Capitol about the Texas&rsquo; response to the coronavirus in late March. The trio on Wednesday told state agency heads to come up with 5% budget cuts for the current budget cycle.
Christopher Matos wears a bandana over his face while running on East 7th Street on Monday April 6, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. Austin and Travis County are recommending the use of fabric face coverings when away from home to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Community coordinator for Austin Voices, Jose Carrasco, drives through neighborhoods near Dobie Middle School in search of students in Austin on Friday, May 8, 2020. As the school district continues their remote learning program, many students have been unable to be reached since schools have closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many principals and teachers grow concerned that many of their students will fall behind in school.
A ice cream truck idles in a northeast Austin neighborhood on Friday, May 8, 2020. The surrounding apartments house some of the students Jose Carrasco, community coordinator Austin Voices, has been trying to contact since schools have closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Community coordinator for Austin Voices, Jose Carrasco, carries food to the car of parent of two, Alma Vargas, at Dobie Middle School in Austin on Friday, May 8, 2020. Carrasco holds weekly food pantries for families in need as the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep schools closed.
The dressing rooms are closed at the Goodwill store on Brodie Lane in South Austin during the coronavirus pandemic.
The express lanes are empty on MoPac Boulevard north of Steck Avenue on Wednesday morning. Toll lane traffic has been greatly reduced during the coronavirus pandemic.
Austin district custodians deep clean Galindo Elementary School in March amid the coronavirus outbreak. The school district spent $7 million in the first six weeks after schools shuttered in coronavirus-related expenses like disinfecting building, protective equipment and purchasing technology for online learning.
A testing center was set up in the back of a hospital in Agen so people being tested wouldn't have to leave their cars.
Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb speaks during the daily Public Health District COVID-19 Update at City Hall on Friday, March 27, 2020.
People wait in line at the HEB in Flour Bluff for the store to open at 8am on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. HEB has changed their store hours to 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m to restock shelves due to people stocking up on supplies because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
DO NOT USE THIS PHOTO. Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old CHRISTUS Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Sunday, March 29, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Friday, April 3, 2020.
Christus Spohn's rapid COVID-19 testing machine, Cepheid GeneXpert Infinity 48, can conduct 1,000 tests in 24 hours.
Four-year-old Keeley Mahan writes her name, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in Portland. Her mom, Jennifer, teaches her during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seven-year-old Connor Mahan does his schoolwork, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in Portland. His mom, Jennifer, teaches her during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announces the reopening of more Texas businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic at a news conference at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on Monday, May 18, 2020. Abbott said that youth camps, some professional sports and bars may soon begin to fully or partially reopen their facilities as outlined by regulations listed on the Open Texas website.
Attorneys Lina Burns and her husband Jeff Burns have been using their legal knowledge to help those in Caldwell, Texas interpret orders related to COVID-19.
Beachgoers play, swim and fish at dusk Friday, May 8, 2020, in Port Aransas, Texas. Texas' stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic have expired and Texas Gov.
Olney Hamilton Hospital ER director Colter Garrett, RN and Samantha Isbell, MSN, look over a patient's case. Olney, Texas has seen four positive cases and one death from COVID-19 at this time.
Conny Clay is Chief of Police in Olney, Texas. He leads a small group of officers and has had one officer in quarantine following direct contact with a person who had COVID-19. The officer did not get sick and was able to return to work.
Beachgoers line the water’s edge at Hershey Beach in Galveston, Texas, on Saturday. People flocked to the island’s beaches that reopened Friday after being closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi beach volleyball freshman Giuliana Poletti Corrales competed in one Olympic qualifier for her native Paraguay before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down competition.
Pastor Bobby Contreras, center, leads his church in music churchgoers, using social distancing practices, return to in-person services at Alamo Heights Baptist Church, Sunday, May 10, 2020, in San Antonio. Texas' stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic have expired and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has eased restrictions on many businesses, state parks, churches and places of worship.
Law enforcement agencies from Wichita, Wilbarger and Lubbock counties teamed up to distribute face shields like these to local medical facilities. The West Texas 3-D COVID-19 Relief Consortium manufactured them.
Law enforcement agencies from Wichita, Wilbarger and Lubbock counties teamed up to distribute intubation chambers like this one to local medical facilities. The West Texas 3-D COVID-19 Relief Consortium manufactured and donated them.
Art work on boarded-up bar on Sixth Street during COVID-19 closure. KEN HERMAN/American-Statesman
Moore County Judge Rowdy Rhoades welcomes more COVID-19 testing. &#8220;This is going to go through our whole community, everybody&#8217;s gonna get it,&#8221; he says.
Dumas Police Chief Marvin Trejo's funeral procession was over a mile long at some points on the 55-mile trip from Dumas to Memory Gardens Cemetery in Amarillo. His was the ninth COVID-19 death in Moore County.
Cattle are pictured in a feed lot next to the JBS beef plant in Cactus. This week, officials hope to test workers at the plant, auguring another wave of positive COVID-19 test results could come.
Kwey Baw, left, and his wife, Ehdah Baw, who work separate shifts at the Tyson plant so they can take care of their children, were told they had tested positive for COVID-19, even though they displayed no symptoms, and should quarantine for 14 days.
Flawless Barber Shop reopens for business on Friday, May 8, 2020 as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to reopen after coronavirus closures.
Flawless Barber Shop reopens for business on Friday, May 8, 2020 as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to reopen after coronavirus closures.
Flawless Barber Shop reopens for business on Friday, May 8, 2020 as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to reopen after coronavirus closures.
A women gets a pedicure at Kosmo Salon on Friday, May 8, 2020. Barbershops and nail salons reopened on Friday, May 8, 2020 as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to reopen after coronavirus closures.
Angela Hernandez has her hair watched at Kosmo Salon on Friday, May 8, 2020. Barbershops and nail salons reopened on Friday, May 8, 2020 as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to reopen after coronavirus closures.
A hand-written signs alerts costumers that Jake’s Texas Tea House in Waco is closed indefinitely.
Rules for entering Cosmic Cowboy on South Congress Avenue in Austin are posted on the window.
Annette Rodriguez, Director of Public Health for the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District holds up a COVID-19 test kit during the daily press conference at city hall on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 4, 2020.
The city of Corpus Christi hosts its daily press conference about the coronavirus, Thursday, April 16, 2020, at City Hall. Mayor Joe McComb, Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, health director Annette Rodriguez and city manager Peter Zanoni spoke during the meeting.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 4, 2020.
People wait in their car's at the American Bank Center for the Coastal Bend Food Bank and City of Corpus Christi's pop-up drive-thru food distribution on Friday, May 15, 2020
People gather along Highway 44 to watch Robstown Independent School District's parade held for their 2020 senior class on Saturday, May 16, 2020.
Tori Stubbs, owner of the Burlap and Paisley Boutique and Salon, sanitizes a hair washing station Friday, May 8, 2020 after hair salons were allowed to reopen for business in Texas.
Staff at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus held a 'Thank You El Paso' parade Friday to thank the city for their support of healthcare workers and to thanks EMS workers. Staff stood in front of the hospital with signs dancing and shouting to passing cars and ambulances.
Staff at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus held a 'Thank You El Paso' parade Friday to thank the city for their support of healthcare workers and to thanks EMS workers. Staff stood in front of the hospital with signs dancing and shouting to passing cars and ambulances.
Staff at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus held a 'Thank You El Paso' parade Friday to thank the city for their support of healthcare workers and to thanks EMS workers. Staff stood in front of the hospital with signs dancing and shouting to passing cars and ambulances.
Robstown Independent School District held a parade for their 2020 senior class on Saturday, May 16, 2020.
Robstown Independent School District held a parade for their 2020 senior class on Saturday, May 16, 2020.
Laura Neill styles a client's hair at the Burlap and Paisley Boutique and Salon on Friday, May 8, 2020 after salons were allowed to reopen for business in Texas.
Preston Shaver, left, takes a new appointment while cutting a client's hair at the Vintage Barber on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 after hair salons and barbershops were allowed to reopen for business in Texas.
A Dyess Air Force Base B-1 flies over Abilene Regional Medical Center on Friday, going south and then back west to return to the base. The B-1 flew to the Panhandle and to the Midland-Odessa area before going over ARMC and Hendrick Medical Center to honor healthcare workers and first responders. May 15 2020
Abilene Fire Station 1 crew members watch two C-130s from Dyess Air Force Base fly nearby on Friday, May 15, 2020. The military flyovers locally and across the country are to honor first responders and hospital workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most still wearing masks even outside, Abilene Regional Medical Center employees including Abby Boyd (left, Human Resources generalist, and Tonya Anderson, Ethics and Compliance director, wave a quick goodbye to a Dyess B-1B bomber as it flew over and then south of the hospital Friday. Some recorded the fly-by on their cellphones. May 15 2020
People wait in their car's at the American Bank Center for the Coastal Bend Food Bank and City of Corpus Christi's pop-up drive-thru food distribution Friday, May 15, 2020
People wait in their car's at the American Bank Center for the Coastal Bend Food Bank and City of Corpus Christi's pop-up drive-thru food distribution on Friday, May 15, 2020
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 4, 2020.
The Nueces County Victims' Memorial Garden is located at Oleander Point at Cole Park.
The Nueces County Victims' Memorial Garden is located at Oleander Point at Cole Park.
The Nueces County Victims' Memorial Garden is located at Oleander Point at Cole Park.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 11, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 11, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 11, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 11, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 11, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 11, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 11, 2020.
Marcos and Valerie Garcia show photos of their late son, Marcelo, at their home Thursday, May 7, in El Paso. The Garcias lost Marcelo to SIDS in December of 2019. They found out they were pregnant again in early March. The Garcias suffered a tremendous loss but said that they believe Marcelo will watch over their family as they continue to grow.
Alex Lewis writes in Latin, Dum Spiro Spero, or "While I breathe, I hope", on the Mural of Hope painted by Gaya Khmoyan at Backdoor Theatre Friday.
Lisa Wegman and her son, Andrew Wegman write encouragig statements on the Mural of Hope at Backdoor Theatre. People are encouraged to add their positive thoughts to the mural.
Marcos and Valerie Garcia hold a onesie that reads, "hand picked for earth by my brother in heaven," at their home Thursday, May 7, in El Paso. The Garcias lost their first child, Marcelo, to SIDS in December of 2019. They found out they were pregnant again in early March. The Garcias suffered a tremendous loss but said that they believe Marcelo will watch over their family as they continue to grow.
A Howard College graduate celebrates during a ceremony on campus Thursday, May 7, 2020. Graduates accepted diplomas from inside their vehicles during the drive though ceremony held according to social distancing guidelines due to the coronavirus.
Howard College graduates and guests celebrate during a ceremony on campus Thursday, May 7, 2020. Graduates accepted diplomas from inside their vehicles during the drive though ceremony held according to social distancing guidelines due to the coronavirus.
Ellen Germany finally has her hair colored and cut after a long beauty salon closure due to coronavirus. Markham Salon at 2200 N. Yarbrough reopened Friday to the delight of many who visited the salon.
William Romero cuts George Atkins' hair after a long closure due to coronavirus. Markham Salon at 2200 N. Yarbrough reopened Friday to the delight of many who visited the salon.
State Rep. Todd Hunter adjusts his face mask while attending a parade for Bob Batterson's 99th birthday, Friday, May 8, 2020. Batterson is a World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor.
Bob Batterson receives a surprise, drive-parade for his 99th birthday, Friday, May 8, 2020. Batterson is a World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor.
Corpus Christi police chief Mike Markle takes a photo of Bob Batterson during his surprise, drive-parade, Friday, May 8, 2020. Many elected officials attended the parade.
Bob Batterson receives a surprise, drive-parade for his 99th birthday, Friday, May 8, 2020. Batterson is a World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor.
Cassandra Champion holds a happy birthday sign for Bob Batterson during his surprise, drive-parade, Friday, May 8, 2020. Cars drove past the 99 year old's home.
Bob Batterson receives a surprise, drive-parade for his 99th birthday, Friday, May 8, 2020. Batterson is a World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor.
Latarsha Hunt, left, cuts a man's hair as part of Gov. Greg Abbott's Texas reopening plan, Friday, May 8, 2020. Hunt is the owner of Jus Clippin'.
Bob Batterson receives a surprise, drive-parade for his 99th birthday, Friday, May 8, 2020. Batterson is a World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor.
The National Guard conducts drive-thru testing in San Patricio county, Thursday, May 7, 2020, at the Portland Community Center. The free testing is provided by the county.
West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates.
West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates.
West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates.
West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates.
West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates.
West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates.
West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates.
West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates.
West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Thursday, April 23, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 4, 2020.
A woman shops at Ollie's Bargain Outlet on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The discount retailer is allowing 50 people at a time into its stores and has instituted other measures to ensure social distancing and sanitation. Wednesday was its grand opening in Corpus Christi.
Elsa Martinez, right, shops with her granddaughter, Sophia De La Cruz, 1 1/2, at Ollie's Bargain Outlet on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The discount retailer had its grand opening on Wednesday.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Thursday, April 23, 2020.
Free breakfasts and lunch at Oak Park Elementary School on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Oak Park Elementary is one of the seventeen schools taking part in the curbside meal program during Corpus Christi Independent School District's temporary closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak across the United States.
Free breakfasts and lunch at Oak Park Elementary School on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Oak Park Elementary is one of the seventeen schools taking part in the curbside meal program during Corpus Christi Independent School District's temporary closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak across the United States.
Most business in the small town of McGregor are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Austin, Texas resident Traci Gisel Neely hangs out on a Texas flag hammock in the middle of Lake Travis on what is called "Sometimes Island" on April 24, 2020. When lake levels drop low enough, this island appears, sometimes for several years, depending on amount of area rainfall.
Anita Childs, right, visits with her friend and coworker Susana Perez in a courtyard at Domain Northside in Austin on Friday, May 1, 2020. This is the first time in several weeks that the two friends have gotten to see each other. Texas businesses are now allowed to open at 25% capacity during the first phase of Gov. Gregg Abbott's order to reopen the state amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Jeffrey Cirillo is leading a trial into the effectiveness of a tuberculosis vaccine in lessening the severity of the coronavirus. [CONTRIBUTED/Texas A&M University Health Science Center]
Elia Montoya places breakfast dishes in front of Carrah Roy and her family, including her husband, U.S. Representative Charles Eugene "Chip" Roy, and their kids Virginia, 9, and Charlie, 10, along with director of operations for Roy, Jennifer Carter, at Juan In A Million located on East Cesar Chavez Street in Austin on Friday, May 1, 2020. This is the first phase of Gov. Greg Abbott's order to gradually reopen Texas businesses amid the coronavirus outbreak. All retail stores, malls, restaurants, movie theaters, libraries and museums must limit customers to 25% of their listed occupancy.

Elia Montoya places breakfast dishes in front of Carrah Roy and her family, including her husband, U.S. Representative Charles Eugene “Chip” Roy, and their kids Virginia, 9, and Charlie, 10, along with director of operations for Roy, Jennifer Carter, at Juan In A Million located on East Cesar Chavez Street in Austin on Friday, May 1, 2020. This is the first phase of Gov. Greg Abbott’s order to gradually reopen Texas businesses amid the coronavirus outbreak. All retail stores, malls, restaurants, movie theaters, libraries and museums must limit customers to 25% of their listed occupancy. Bronte Wittpenn, Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY Network

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A waiter at Gloria's Latin Cuisine in serves up lunch to patrons seated on the patio in Colleyville, Texas on April 27, 2020.
Eager to dine out, lunch goers wait outside Gloria's Latin Cuisine for a table on the patio in Colleyville, Texas on April 27, 2020.
Emilee Young of Austin Lorin, Colleyville's Favorite Boutique arranges tops as the store reopened on April 24 in Colleyville, Texas, United States;
Small rural Texas towns like Olney are following CDC guidelines and orders from the state in battling the coronavirus pandemic.
Neal Welch is the city administrator of Olney, Texas. He has been working closely with staff and other community leaders to prepare for the coronavirus pandemic.
Medical staff prepare to conduct a coronavirus swab test on a patient in a drive-thru testing center at Community Care walk-in clinic near East 41st Street in Austin on Wednesday. Local health officials have increased testing capabilities, but more is needed to adequately track the spread of the coronavirus.
Robert Falcon, owner of Affordable Burial and Cremation Services in North Austin, walks through the area where remains are readied for cremation at his facility Wednesday. Falcon said he is concerned that Travis County lacks a sufficient plan to handle a surge of deaths from the coronavirus.
Jeffrey Cirillo is leading a trial into the effectiveness of a tuberculosis vaccine in lessening the severity of the coronavirus.
Graffiti that says &ldquo;no work no rent&rdquo;and &ldquo;strike&rdquo; can be seen in a West Gate Boulevard neighorhood last month. The city of Austin is starting a $1.2 million lottery program to help people who have been financially affected by the coronavirus crisis pay their rent.
United States Postal Service mail carrier Frank Colon, 59, delivers mail amid the coronavirus pandemic on April 30, 2020 in El Paso, Texas. Everyday the United States Postal Service employees work and deliver essential mail to customers.
Gov. Greg Abbott announces Monday a plan to reopen the Texas economy, as he declared his stay-at-home order had worked in tamping down the spread of the coronavirus. But some counties, mostly in rural areas, have seen spikes in cases over the last week, leading some local leaders to worry whether it was too early to open retail businesses and restaurants.
Must Ato, owner of League of Rebels in downtown Austin, prepares on Thursday for the Friday reopening of his store. Retail stores, restaurants, and some movie theaters across Texas are preparing to open their doors to 25% capacity under relaxed coronavirus restrictions unveiled by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this week.
Jennie Wright waitress at Town and Country Cafe caries a try of to a table on Friday, May 1, 2020, the first day of sit-down dinning since the COVID-19 outbreak.
La Palmera Mall on Friday, May 1, 2020 opened for the first day it has been open since the COVID-19 outbreak.
People walk thought the La Palmera Mall on Friday, May 1, 2020 the first day it has been open since the COVID-19 outbreak.
People walk thought the La Palmera Mall on Friday, May 1, 2020 the first day it has been open since the COVID-19 outbreak.
People walk thought the La Palmera Mall on Friday, May 1, 2020 the first day it has been open since the COVID-19 outbreak.
People walk thought the La Palmera Mall on Friday, May 1, 2020 the first day it has been open since the COVID-19 outbreak.
People wait in line at a store in the La Palmera Mall on Friday, May 1, 2020 the first day it has been open since the COVID-19 outbreak.
`Two people sit at a table at Town and Country Cafe on Friday, May 1, 2020, the first day of sit-down dinning since the COVID-19 outbreak.
A man in a mask sits at a table at the La Palmera Mall on Friday, May 1, 2020 the first day it has been open since the COVID-19 outbreak.
A man waring a mask walks thought the La Palmera Mall on Friday, May 1, 2020 the first day it has been open since the COVID-19 outbreak.
An employee Pandora inside La Palmera Mall wears a mask on Friday, May 1, 2020 the first day the mall has been open since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Gabrielle Schmees, 29, and Diego Grassano, 31, get married wearing protective masks at the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park on Monday, April 27, 2020, in Houston. Their friend Torrance Wilson officiates the wedding. Because of COVID-19, the couple decided to postpone their official wedding and have a small one at the Waterwall Park until December when they can have the official one with all of their family and friends.
Raven Lewis (left) and brother, Ramel Lewis, wear masks as they jog in San Antonio on April 22, 2020. San Antonio remains under stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 outbreak and residents are required to wear face coverings or masks whenever in public.
A man uses hand sanitizer underneath a coronavirus prevention sign at the entrance of the Nueces County Courthouse on Friday, March 13, 2020.
A "Survived Harvey Don't let CV-19 Win! Open Port A!" sign is seen before the driving protest, Tuesday, April 21, 2020, in Port Aransas. The protest opposes the mayoral declaration that prohibits certain kinds of business activity to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
A "This is Texas Stop the Tyranny" sign is during during the driving protest, Tuesday, April 21, 2020, in Port Aransas. The protest opposes the mayoral declaration that prohibits certain kinds of business activity to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Jacob Ramirez, left, an aphaeresis technician at the Coastal Bend Blood Center, readies Doug Wayland for a donation on Friday, March 20, 2020. Blood banks across the nation are experiencing drops in donations as schools are closed and donors attempt to limit exposure to the coronavirus. But, blood products are desperately needed for patients, said Erin Survant, with the center.
Mitchell Hamauei, owner of the Middle East Market & Deli, said he has seen a lot of new faces since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Some people are curious about what they sell and some are trying new foods.
The city of Corpus Christi hosts its daily press conference about the coronavirus, Thursday, April 16, 2020, at City Hall. Mayor Joe McComb, Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, health director Annette Rodriguez and city manager Peter Zanoni spoke during the meeting.
The city of Corpus Christi hosts its daily press conference about the coronavirus, Thursday, April 16, 2020, at City Hall. Mayor Joe McComb, Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, health director Annette Rodriguez and city manager Peter Zanoni spoke during the meeting.
A School of Science and Technology elementary teacher appears in a video made by school staff to spread hope to students during the coronavirus outbreak.
Monica Briones makes masks for healthcare workers from her home on Monday, March 23, 2020. Immunocompromised she is unable to leave her apartment due to the risk of contracting the coronavirus.
Hearts on windows, doors and in yards can be seen throughout the Lamar Park neighborhood in Corpus Christi, TX. It was designed as a way to help entertain children who are home during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hearts on windows, doors and in yards can be seen throughout the Lamar Park neighborhood in Corpus Christi, TX. It was designed as a way to help entertain children who are home during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hearts on windows, doors and in yards can be seen throughout the Lamar Park neighborhood in Corpus Christi, TX. It was designed as a way to help entertain children who are home during the coronavirus pandemic.
Annette Rodriguez, Director of Public Health for the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District, during a press conference on the areas preparation for the coronavirus on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni speaks during a press conference on the areas preparation for the coronavirus on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's Philippe Tissot puts on his face mask during the daily coronavirus press conference, Friday, April 17, 2020, at City Hall. Tissot gave a presentation with Chris Bird.
Stores such as the Angry Marlin now only do deliveries and carry out in precaution for the coronavirus, Thursday, March 19, 2020. "The more that people do to reduce their public contact, the sooner the COVID-19 disease will be contained," Abbott said during news conference in his Capitol office on Thursday.
The city of Corpus Christi hosts its daily press conference about the coronavirus, Thursday, April 16, 2020, at City Hall. Mayor Joe McComb, Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, health director Annette Rodriguez and city manager Peter Zanoni spoke during the meeting.
The Galleria mall in Dallas sits void of customers in the middle of the day last week. Lifting restrictions that were in place because of the coronavirus pandemic,Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that retail stores would be allowed to reopen and conduct curbside service beginning Friday. Galleria Dallas has begun a “Retail-To-Go” initiative which allows businesses at the retail location to re-open and conduct sales either online or over the phone. The process allows for retailers to deliver their product to their customers at a drive-up lane that has been set up in front of the mall that is open daily from noon to 6 p.m.
A waiter at Gloria's Latin Cuisine in serves up lunch to patrons on the patio in Colleyville, Texas on April 27, 2020.
Freddy Rodriguez, left, and Aaron Jones clean a Capital Metro bus at the Republic Square station on March 26 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Buses that pull into the station are getting cleaned with disinfecting wipes.
People use a drive-thru coronavirus testing station at Baylor Scott & White Clinic last month in Round Rock. More than 500 people qualified for testing through Austin&rsquo;s public testing portal since Thursday.
Baylor University will resume in-person classes and residential life this fall, the school announced Monday. It is one of the first Texas universities to make a decision about the fall semester amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A few students sit in a nearly empty dining hall at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi on Friday, March 20, 2020, as spring break was extended due to COVID-19.
Judge David Stith begins the Zoom wedding ceremony for Nina and Mario Olivarez, Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the Nueces County Courthouse."I thought, man instead of canceling your wedding," Stith says, "this is a way for people to still be together and to have that special day."Ê
Judge David Stith officiates a wedding via Zoom, Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the Nueces County Courthouse. The district judge marries couples online as a result of coronavirus.
Safely Open Texas Now rally Saturday, April 25, across the street from the El Paso County Court House in El Paso. Protesters demanded elected officials safely reopen the State of Texas, the County of El Paso and the city of El Paso for business.
Safely Open Texas Now rally organizer Sammy Carrejo speaks to attendees Saturday, April 25, across the street from the El Paso County Court House in El Paso. Protesters demanded elected officials safely reopen the State of Texas, the County of El Paso and the city of El Paso for business.
Safely Open Texas Now rally Saturday, April 25, across the street from the El Paso County Court House in El Paso. Protesters demanded elected officials safely reopen the State of Texas, the County of El Paso and the city of El Paso for business.
Safely Open Texas Now rally Saturday, April 25, across the street from the El Paso County Court House in El Paso. Protesters demanded elected officials safely reopen the State of Texas, the County of El Paso and the city of El Paso for business.
Safely Open Texas Now rally Saturday, April 25, across the street from the El Paso County Court House in El Paso. Protesters demanded elected officials safely reopen the State of Texas, the County of El Paso and the city of El Paso for business.
Safely Open Texas Now rally Saturday, April 25, across the street from the El Paso County Court House in El Paso. Protesters demanded elected officials safely reopen the State of Texas, the County of El Paso and the city of El Paso for business.
Friends and family members of El Pasoan James Keller gave him a drive-by birthday party Friday at his westside home.
Father Peter Kavanaugh and his wife, Zoe, were driven around Wichita Falls Wednesday in a Jeep by Steve Forbes. Kavanaugh sprinkled holy water along the way, asking for God's protection on the people and saying prayers for health and healing. Father Kavanaugh is the minister at St. Benedict Orthodox Church.
Friends from the neighborhood walk by the home of James Keller who was celebrating his 93rd birthday Friday.
Wichita Falls High School softball player Gracie Dunn in front of her home decorated with school spirit for the senior.
People wave to their family members at the Alameda Oaks nursing center as they take part in a parade on Friday, Aril 24, 2020. Alameda Oaks nursing center hosted a parade for its residents, who have not had visitors since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Residents and staff at the Alameda Oaks nursing center waive as a parade passes on Friday, Aril 24, 2020. Alameda Oaks nursing center hosted a parade for its residents, who have not had visitors since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak.
People's Restaurant and Lounge uses their parking lot as a drive-in theatre, Thursday, April 23, 2020. The restaurant showed "Big."
Wichita Falls High School senior Kordell Dorman stands among the school spirit signs in front of his home.
Passing tractors and other farming equipment, Kaydi Pursley runs for the pit during pole vaulting practice Wednesday April 15, 2020. The Merkel senior practices in her grandfather's grain warehouse.
Kaydi Pursley, 18, practices her pole vaulting inside the warehouse of the Merkel grain elevator Wednesday April 15, 2020. The Merkel High School senior will attend Abilene Christian University in the fall.
Morgan Whipple of the Lady Coyotes soccer team in front of her home decorated with school spirit.
Panda Burger server Diana Ortiz prepares Glenn Atchley's pick-up order for their $5 burger special Wednesday, April 15, at 10780 Pebble Hills Blvd. in El Paso. Some restaurants in El Paso have had to temporally close with COVID-19 but others have been able to keep their workers employed by using multiple platforms to deliver food.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has employed a mostly decentralized approach, giving cities, counties, school districts and universities the discretion to respond to the new coronavirus however they see fit.
Manicurist Rhonda Simpson, left, polishes nails for her customer Faith at the reopened Salon A la Mode in Dallas, Friday, April 24, 2020. The salon installed a barrier between the two to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
Lauren Ancel Meyers studies epidemic modeling and is trying to track and predict the spread of the coronavirus outbreak with a team at the University of Texas.
A man is screened upon arriving Thursday at the Austin State Supported Living Center amid the coronavirus pandemic. The center is among dozens of government-funded homes for individuals with disabilities in Texas that have COVID-19 cases.
Most basketball courts in Central Texas have closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Austin and Travis County health officials on Wednesday said sporting events and festivals could be off for up to a year.
The Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University has identified COVID-19 relief most applicable to farmers and ranchers, which is available online at https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2020/04/21/covid-19-relief-for-farmers-ranchers/
Members of the media observe social distancing as Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, at podium, responds to a question during a news conference at City Hall where he discussed the latest developments amid the COVID-19 outbreak, in Dallas on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
Sheila Parr and her daughters Violet Cann, left, 7, and Stella Cann, 5, donate food and toilet paper to the Little Free Library on Princeton Drive in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday April 21, 2020. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, many of the book exchange boxes around the U.S. are being repurposed as sharing boxes with free food and toilet paper.
Light traffic flows on MoPac Boulevard and U.S. 290 in southwest Austin, Texas, at 7:30 a.m. on March 25, the first day of the shelter-in-place order during the coronavirus pandemic.
March 31, 2020; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick exits a press conference at the state Capitol about the state's response to the coronavirus on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, in Austin, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wagner/American-Statesman via USA TODAY NETWORK ORIG FILE ID: 20200331_cjm_usa_095.JPG
People wait in line at a Central Texas Food Bank drive-through distribution at Del Valle High School in Austin, Texas, on April 20, 2020. About 100 volunteers distributed nonperishable food and toiletries to thousands of people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Fadia Joseph volunteers at a Central Texas Food Bank drive-through distribution at Del Valle High School in Austin, Texas, on April 20, 2020. About 100 volunteers distributed nonperishable food and toiletries to thousands of people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Starbucks at Saratoga Boulevard and Weber Road in Corpus Christi, Texas was open only for to-go and drive-thru orders in an effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
A man who declined to provide his name wears yellow caution tape as a mask during a protest in Texas on April 18, 2020.
Pastor Brian Hill in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church Corpus Christi leads a drive-in Easter service on Sunday, April 12, 2020. First Baptist Church Corpus Christi had not held an in-person serves since Nueces County issued a stay at home order do to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Peggy Russell is a physician who treats geriatric patients and has recently come out of retirement to help fellow doctors as they combat the coronavirus locally.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced steps to lift some restrictions he had put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Christopher Matos wears a bandana over his face while running on East 7th Street on Monday April 6, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. Austin and Travis County are recommending the use of fabric face coverings when away from home to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
A cyclist passes coronavirus-related graffiti under an overpass in San Antonio, Thursday, April 16, 2020. San Antonio remains under stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Vehicles line up to receive free food on Wednesday at LBJ Early College High School. The Central Texas Food Bank distributed free emergency food boxes to help those who are facing increased food insecurity during the coronavirus crisis.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks about the state’s response to COVID-19 during a news conference Monday in Austin, Texas.
A man wears a mask at the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority's Staples Street Station on Friday, March 13, 2020, as the coronavirus continues to spread in Texas.
The field of quarter horses dash past empty stands Friday at Ruidoso Downs. The 2020 racing season is underway at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack in Ruidoso, N.M. after live racing was halted in mid-March because of COVID-19. The track is starting the season without fans in the stands due to the coronavirus.
The 2020 racing season is underway at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack in Ruidoso, NM. The track is starting the season without fans in the stands due to coronavirus.
South Texas Speedway runs its season-opening race, Saturday, May 23, 2020. It is the first time the track has run since late February.
South Texas Speedway runs its season-opening race, Saturday, May 23, 2020. It is the first time the track has run since late February.
South Texas Speedway runs its season-opening race, Saturday, May 23, 2020. It is the first time the track has run since late February.
Eugene and Mary Szczepinski celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary Saturday, May 23, 2020, with their family. They were married May 22, 1945, in San Antonio.
Eugene and Mary Szczepinski with their four children, Steven, Debbie Jellerson, Gene and Greg. They celebrated Eugene and Mary's 75th wedding anniversary Saturday, May 23, 2020. The pair was married May 22, 1945, in San Antonio.
The City of Corpus Christi closes a portion of Ocean Drive to promote social distancing while exercising, Saturday, May 23, 2020. The city is planning to continue with the fitness lane next Saturday.
The City of Corpus Christi closes a portion of Ocean Drive to promote social distancing while exercising, Saturday, May 23, 2020. The city is planning to continue with the fitness lane next Saturday.
Young people play in the water at a recreation area at Lake Nasworthy during Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 23, 2020.
Young people flock around a large inflatable swan anchored to the shore at Lake Nasworthy during Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 23, 2020.
The USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium reopen, Friday, May 22, 2020. Both locations closed because of coronavirus in mid-March.
The USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium reopen, Friday, May 22, 2020. Both locations closed because of coronavirus in mid-March.
The USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium reopen, Friday, May 22, 2020. Both locations closed because of coronavirus in mid-March.
Kindergarten teacher Kathy Giron waves a shark mouth cutout as she calls to a passing student outside of Austin Elementary School Tuesday May 19, 2020. Students of all grades paraded by to say goodbye to their teachers at the end of the school year which had been severely altered due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since mid-March, students have only been able to interact with their teachers over online teleconference services and virtual classrooms.
Beth Laurence holds her phone, waiting to get a picture of teachers lined up outside of Austin Elementary School Tuesday May 19, 2020. Behind her, Emma and Abby Gragg look for their mother Betsy, the school art teacher, while Beth's husband David drives.
Stephanie Corral, third-grade teacher at Hueco Elementary, packs up her students’ belongings Wednesday, May 20, 2020, while cleaning out her classroom after the school year ended abruptly because of the coronavirus pandemic. Corral said the students went on spring break and didn’t get to return to school to clean out their desks. The school is arranging for the children to pick up their belongings before the next school year.
Andress High School seniors Isabelle Martinez and Rebecca Martinez pick up their yearbooks during the end of year drive-thru Tuesday, May 19, at the high school in El Paso.
Ellie Daniels, Andress High School athletic trainer, cheers on students during the end of year drive-thru Tuesday, May 19, at the high school in El Paso.
Young people flock to a recreation area at Lake Nasworthy during Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 23, 2020.
Two quarter horses battle to the finish line during the reopening of live racing at Ruidoso Downs on May 22.

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