This story will be updated throughout the day as new information is released.
Texas Motor Speedway celebrated a big milestone Thursday after a Denton County resident received the 100,000th COVID-19 vaccine, officials said.
Ruth Owens, of Little Elm, was informed by Denton County Judge Andy Eads that she was the who received the dose.
The drive-thru vaccine site opened in early February, allowing Denton County to administer at least 1,000 doses per hour.
“Despite running just 2-3 days / week due to vaccine availability and having to miss about a week due to the winter storm, it took us no time at all to get to the 100,000 point,” said TMS spokesperson Jake Young in a news release.
Thursday afternoon, Denton County health officials announced 574 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19, of which 538 are active. This increases the countywide total to 66,394 COVID-19 cases, including 421 confirmed deaths.
Health officials also reported 510 have recovered from COVID-19, increasing the countywide recovery total to 54,055.
The Potter's House opens as vaccination hub
The Potter's House is one of the largest churches in North Texas and is now the next COVID-19 vaccination site for the City of Dallas.
“I hope this hub will send a strong signal to all of our communities that will vaccine is for everyone,” Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said during a news conference.
According to the City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management, this week's operations will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Saturday by appointment only. Officials said they hope to administer about 1,000 shots per day.
Johnson reached out to residents Wednesday on the Nextdoor app, saying vaccines will be available at the church by appointment only. He also encouraged residents to register online or call 1-855-466-8639.
The Potter’s House vaccination hub will use a QR code system and will be reserved for first doses only. Anyone due for a second dose will still get it at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas.
"When it's your turn, get vaccinated," the mayor said. The Potter's House is located at 6777 W Kiest Boulevard in Dallas.
The mayor said the vaccine is the most effective tool for stopping COVID-19 but also stressed that people should continue to wear face masks.
"However while in the process of pushing people to get vaccinated, you need to wear a mask," he said.
During the news conference, Johnson also said he is working with city attorneys and plans to issue an order that face masks must be worn inside city-owned buildings.
For a daily roundup of the latest news from around North Texas and beyond, sign up for the WFAA email newsletter.
First presumptive positive case confirmed one year ago
On March 4, 2020, The Fort Bend County health department confirmed the first "presumptive positive" case of the COVID-19 in Texas. The man, who was in his 70s, had recently traveled abroad and got tested at a Houston lab.