The infectious disease doctor has been at the helm of the department in an interim capacity since the fall, replacing longtime commissioner Dr. John Hellerstedt following his retirement. Shuford has been at the agency since 2017.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not mandate immunization requirements for vaccines in schools despite recent reports that suggest otherwise.

Sam Houston State University and the Texas State University System are planning to hire 200 contact tracers as experts warn of a potential fall COVID-19 surge. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneSam Houston State University and the Texas State University System are aiming to hire approximately 200 COVID-19 contact tracers statewide ahead of an expected resurgence of the novel coronavirus this fall. Greg Abbott in April set a goal of employing 4,000 contact tracers by June 1 as part of his phased reopening plan. The state partnered with the Texas State University System to “provide additional flexibility as the pandemic continues,” he said. “As it stands, there are enough contact tracers in the call center to handle the current workload,” Van Deusen said.

TEXAS – Texas Gov. Abbott, with other state and local officials, spoke from Lake Jackson, where the naegleria fowleri microbe was found. Officials have determined the amoeba was only found in Lake Jackson water, but the process to fix it will take 60 days. Officials will increase the amount of chlorine in the water system to kill all remnants of the virus. Crews will also thoroughly inspect the water system to see if unfiltered water is making its way into the water system.