DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – Vice President Mike Pence and members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force met with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and local health officials Sunday in Dallas as the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to experience steep increases.
The COVID-19 positivity rate in Texas was just over 4% at the end of last month. According to Governor Abbott, that number sat above 13% Sunday. 
“Over just the past few weeks the daily number of cases have gone from an average of about 2,000 to more than 5,000 per day,” said Governor Abbott. “At the same time hospitalizations have increased from about 2,000 per day to 5,000 per day.”
Dr. Deborah Birx joined Pence on the trip and stressed the recent rise in cases among Texans 20-40 years old.
“It’s hitting those vulnerable 20 to 40 year old’s that have issues like a little obesity or diabetes,” said Dr. Birx. “I’m really appealing to every Texan to wear a mask.”
Governor Abbott and the Vice President echoed the call for masks, but the Governor has not issued a mask mandate.
Pence vowed to Governor Abbott to help the state through the recent uptick. The Federal Government recently extended funding for testing at seven sites in Texas but only for several weeks. The Vice President promised Sunday that the funding will continue as long as needed.
“We’re going to make sure Texas has what you need when you need it,” Pence said.
The Vice President will visit other states with rising numbers later this week.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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