The top health official in Texas says he sees no need to declare a public health disaster in the state because of the coronavirus outbreak. Dr. John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the Department of State Health Services, made the comment on Tuesday to the House Public Health Committee. Hellerstedt said the situation changes constantly, implying that such a declaration may be needed later. During the five-hour hearing, lawmakers also heard from pharmaceutical experts, health care professionals, and officials from Houston and San Antonio.
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