Updated at 6:20 p.m.: Revised to include requests from state employees for sick leave

AUSTIN -- Gov. Greg Abbott requested Tuesday that insurance companies in Texas waive co-pays and other costs associated with testing for the new coronavirus. And despite prodding from Texas lawmakers the state’s public health director said there’s no need to declare a disaster, yet.

“This is a very rapidly moving situation,” said John Hellerstedt, Commissioner Texas Department of State Health Services. “I can’t say tomorrow won’t be a different circumstance.”

At least a dozen people in Texas have tested positive for COVID-19 to date, including a presumptive positive case in Dallas of a 77-year-old out-of-state traveler. A Frisco man and two members of his family also tested positive for the virus. Most cases, however, have been reported in the Houston area among people who came into contact with the virus abroad.

The disease has yet to begin spreading within Texas communities, like in has in other states, including Washington and California. Still, lawmakers pushed for disaster declaration that would make it easier for public health officials to order quarantine, isolation or medical treatment.

“I don’t see a downside from declaring a disaster and start working with facilities to prepare," said state Rep. Eddie Lucio III, a Brownsville Democrat during a House Public Health committee hearing Tuesday. “It seems also that it’s inevitable.”

As of last week, some 150 Texans had been tested for the virus, DSHS said in a statement. Hellerstedt couldn’t say how many test kits the state has on hand, but assured state lawmakers there are enough. Though a vaccine is under development, researchers said Tuesday it may take over a year to bring it to market.

Washing hands and staying home from work when sick are the most effective tools for prevention, officials repeatedly told lawmakers. Several bumped elbows as a greeting, instead of shaking hands.

Sick leave requested

Blocks away from the Capitol Tuesday union members argued Tuesday that mandatory sick leave policies opposed by Republican leaders could help ensure infected workers stay home.

“Unless we ensure workers can take time off, the impact will only get worse,” said Daniel Rubalcaba, a registered nurse and part of the National Nurses United union, said at an Austin press conference. “Any ability to take time off from work is critical to further reducing the exposure and infection.”

In response to coronavirus fears, several major companies including Walmart and the parent company of Olive Garden announced they would offer hourly employees some form of paid sick leave. But state law doesn’t require it.

While several cities including Dallas have enacted their own paid sick leave ordinances, they have faced legal challenges are remain tied up in court.

Joe Montemayor of the Texas State Employees Union requested Abbott enact emergency leave for state workers, who he said are often in contact with the elderly and other populations particularly at risk for infection. Those who have been on the job fewer than 6 months don’t have access to earned leave, he said.

“Unfortunately state workers are so low paid that they work sick all the time,” Montemayor said Tuesday.

Abbott’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Insurance changes

The state announced steps to reduce barriers to coronavirus testing Tuesday. The state’s Medicaid program, which covers roughly 4 million low-income children, pregnant women and adults, will pay for the test, director Stephanie Muth told lawmakers Tuesday. The Texas Department of Insurance requested insurers waive co-payments for testing, cover necessary medical equipment and waive penalties for necessary out-of-network services, among other things.

“We must ensure no Texan is denied access to testing resources relating to coronavirus,” Abbott said in a statement.

At the White House Tuesday morning, Vice President Mike Pence said several major health insurance companies have already agreed not to charge co-pays for people seeking coronavirus testing. He made the comments at a meeting at the White House with the CEOs of major health insurance companies aimed at encouraging people to get tested by removing cost barriers.

It’s not entirely clear how the roughly 5 million uninsured Texans -- the highest rate of any state in the nation -- will receive testing or care. Texas is one roughly 14 states nationwide that hasn’t expanded Medicaid to cover more low-income adults.

Hellerstedt recently suggested those without insurance call a public health hotline to get connected with local clinics that may offer free or low-cost services.

Texans worried they are infected should consider using telemedicine, Abbott said. “Consulting a physician from home is a practical way to avoid getting sick, prevent the spread of the virus, and help ensure that emergency rooms are available for those who truly need them,” he said in a statement.

Older Texans and those with hypertension, diabetes or underlying immune problems are at higher risk of having severe cases of coronavirus. Though data about the disease and its fatality rate has not been evenly collected, the overall fatality rate may be 1%, or as high as 2%, roughly 10 times that of the seasonal flu, Hellerstedt said.