Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday suspended elective surgeries in Hidalgo County and Cameron County to "help ensure hospital bed availability for COVID-19 patients in these communities."

Abbott issued the proclamation, which also covers Nueces County and Webb County, on Tuesday morning.

"As these counties experience a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we are committed to working alongside hospitals to help ensure that every COVID-19 patient who needs a bed will have access to one," Abbott said in a news release. "We are constantly monitoring the data at the local level and will continue to take precautionary action where it is necessary. I want to remind all Texans that each of us have a responsibility to help slow the spread of this virus, and I urge everyone to wear a mask, wash their hands regularly, practice social distancing, and stay home if possible."

Read the proclamation.

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