Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins reported 473 new COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s prohibition on vaccination mandates stalls in Senate, with less than two days left in the third special legislative session this year, Texas Tribune reports. Senate Bill 51 is intended to block any Texas entity, including hospitals and private businesses, from mandating employee vaccination against COVID-19. SB 51 makes Texas entities requiring employee vaccination vulnerable to discrimination lawsuits.
CDC issues COVID-19 holiday safety recommendations, WFAA reports. CDC states vaccinating yourself against COVID-19 is the safest thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season. Masks are recommended to immunocompromised individuals and those not fully vaccinated.
American Academy of Pediatrics says September was the worst month for child COVID-19 infections, FOX 4 reports. New data from the AAP shows 6 million children have tested positive since March 2020 with September seeing the biggest wave of infections. AAP says COVID-19 hospitalizations remain low for children.
States can order Pfizer’s COVID-19 shots for children under 12 starting Oct. 20, WFAA reports. CDC guidance said immunization program managers can start ordering doses Wednesday. Vials will not be delivered until the FDA and CDC approve.