Texas hits record high number of new COVID-19 cases

AUSTIN, Texas — Thursday, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported the highest number of new cases in Texas since the beginning of the pandemic.

Texas reports confirmed and probable cases. Confirmed cases are when someone who has tested positive on a molecular test, while probable cases are when someone who has tested positive on an antigen test.

As of Thursday, Texas had reported a total of 1,371,223 confirmed cases and 167,966 probable cases.

And 16,864 new cases were reported, the highest daily number of new cases on record, along with 100 new hospitalizations.

The positivity rate is 14.03%, up from 13.70%, while hospitalizations now total 9,628.

The state's first coronavirus-related death was reported on March 16, but as of Thursday, the state has officially reported a total of 24,660 deaths and 266 new deaths.

DSHS is estimating that 1,231,426 patients have recovered from COVID-19 across the state.