Texas pauses its reopening as coronavirus cases surge

• Texas reported a record number of coronavirus cases in a 24-hour span twice so far this week, per the state's health department.

The big picture: The news comes after Abbott also announced the state would again suspend elective surgeries in Harris, Dallas, Bexar and Travis counties, which include the cities of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin, respectively.

• Houston's Texas Medical Center reported that 97% of intensive care beds were occupied as of Wednesday. 27% of those were coronavirus patients.
• Abbott previously called for a ban on elective surgeries in March, before lifting it in April.

What he's saying: "As Texas faces a rise in COVID-19 cases, we are focused on both slowing the spread of this virus and maintaining sufficient hospital capacity for COVID-19 patients," Abbott said.

• "These four counties have experienced significant increases in people being hospitalized due to COVID-19 and today’s action is a precautionary step to help ensure that the hospitals in these counties continue to have ample supply of available beds to treat COVID-19 patients."
• "As we work to contain this virus, I urge all Texans to do their part to help contain the spread by washing their hands regularly, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing."