More than 1,000 new virus cases, 39 more deaths in Texas

Dimitris Tolliver loads food into her car during a Houston Independent School District food distribution site at Kashmere High School amid the COVID-19 pandemic Monday, May 11, 2020, in Houston. ( AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — At least 1,000 more people in Texas have tested positive for COVID-19 as the number of cases continues to climb while the state reopens, state health officials reported Monday. 

Another 22 deaths linked to the new coronavirus also were reported, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.  That brings the total confirmed cases to 39,869 with 1,100 deaths, an increase from 38,869 cases and 1,088 deaths reported on Sunday. 

The true numbers are likely higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick. 

Gov. Greg Abbott has said he is focused on hospitalization rates that remain steady and infection rates that have dropped since mid-April. 

Barbershops and hair salons were allowed to start reopening in Texas on Friday.  Last week, restaurants and retailers in the state were allowed to begin reopening with limited capacity. 

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.  For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. 

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