Texas requests five mortuary trailers as COVID continues to surge

SAN ANTONIO - Texas has requested five mortuary trailers in anticipation of an increase in dead bodies since COVID-19 is surging again in Texas.

"We are anticipating a need within the state of Texas for these trailers as COVID cases and hospitalizations continue to increase," Texas Department of State Health Services spokesperson Doug Loveday said in a statement to FOX 7 Austin, adding that the trailers were requested on Aug. 4.

The trailers would come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and be stationed in San Antonio, where they would then move to various Texas locations if local leaders request them, according to Loveday.

FEMA previously provided this resource for earlier increases in COVID-19 fatalities.

The mortuary trailers will be delivered in the next week to two weeks, according to Loveday.

Texas hospitals report increased cases of COVID-19, RSV in children

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, can result in cold-like symptoms but can have more serious effects in young children. Hospitals are reporting unseasonably early cases.

The surge in coronavirus spread in the U.S. is driving case totals to highs last seen six months ago. For much of last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported daily case numbers upwards of 100,000, with Thursday’s high of nearly 147,000 not previously seen since late January.

On Sunday, the U.S. led the world in new cases reported with over 38,400 new illnesses, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Iran followed with under 37,000 cases reported.

Testing Information - Showing symptoms? Exposed to a positive case? Get tested and quarantine. 

When and where to get COVID tests as infections rise again

18 months into the pandemic, there is still a need for COVID testing. FOX Medical Team's Beth Galvin offers some advice.

APH manages testing sites and mobile clinics across Austin and Travis County. Appointments are not required for the two testing sites currently open however, individuals are encouraged to schedule a COVID-19 testing appointment.

Those who do not have access to the internet can call 3-1-1 to complete the assessment. Testing is also available through local pharmacies. Those with health insurance should call their doctor or insurance company to review their options.

Vaccinations are free and at a location nearby. No identification is required.

Pregnant women urged to get vaccinated against the coronavirus

Dr. Farhan Bhatti, M.D. and CEO of Care Free Michigan, joins Amanda Salinas to explain why moms-to-be should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

COVID-19 vaccinations are free and do not require identification nor insurance. Residents can locate providers in their area using Vaccines.gov or they can text their zip code to 438829 (822862 in Spanish) to find a nearby clinic. 

For additional business guidance, visit www.ATXrecovers.com for recommendations to help prioritize the health and safety of employees and customers. 

Additional information regarding COVID-19, testing, and vaccinations can be found at AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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