x
Breaking News
More () »

COVID-19 updates: Dallas County increases coronavirus risk level to 'stay home, stay safe'

The increase was due to a "new and quickly escalating wave" of coronavirus cases across North Texas, health officials said.

Dallas County is back in the red coronavirus threat level due to a "new and quickly escalating wave" of COVID-19 cases in the area, said Judge Clay Jenkins.

County health officials reported 454 new coronavirus cases Wednesday and one additional death from COVID-19.

The woman who died was in her 80s and did not have underlying high-risk health conditions, officials said.

Red is the highest coronavirus risk level in the county, meaning people should "stay home, stay safe."

"It is more important than ever that we make good decisions," Jenkins said in a written statement.

The risk level was reduced to "extreme caution" on Sept. 2.

County health officials recommend people stay home as much as possible and avoid dining out. The announcement comes as many counties across the state have approved re-opening bars.

RELATED: MAP: These are the counties where bars can open in Texas

Tarrant County reports 624 new coronavirus cases

Tarrant County health officials reported two new coronavirus-related deaths Wednesday.

Officials also reported 624 new cases of COVID-19 in the county.

Those who died were both from Arlington. One was a man in his 40s and the other was a man in his 60s.

Denton County reports 182 cases

Denton County Public Health announced 182 cases of COVID-19, of which 159 are active. Officials said this increased the countywide total to 14,645 confirmed cases, including 12,351 confirmed deaths since tracking began in March.

DCPH plans to host a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing center on Friday, Oct. 16 at University of North Texas’ Discovery Park, located at 3940 N. Elm Street. If you would like to get tested, you must pre-register by calling 940-349-2585. It opens at 8 a.m.

Collin County reports 104 cases, 1 death

Collin County health officials reported 104 new cases of COVID-19 and said one more resident has died.

There are currently 859 active cases in the county, according to the Department of State Health Services.

Since tracking began in March, there have been 16,488 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 167 deaths and 15,629 recoveries.

For a daily roundup of the latest news from around North Texas and beyond, sign up for the WFAA email newsletter.

Before You Leave, Check This Out