This story will be updated throughout the day as new information is released.
Gov. Greg Abbott has extended a statewide disaster declaration he first issued in March to allow the state to better respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Abbott said in a statement Saturday after extending the declaration that it provides communities with needed resources to respond to the virus that as of Friday had infected a reported 474,524 people and left at least 8,096 dead.
The true number of cases in Texas is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Dallas County reports 5 deaths, 540 new cases
Dallas County health officials announced five more people died from the novel coronavirus Saturday, and 540 cases have been confirmed.
Health officials said the deaths include:
- A Garland man in his 50s
- A Dallas man in his 50s, who had underlying health conditions
- A Dallas man in his 60s, who had underlying health conditions
- A woman in her 80s, who was a resident of a long-term care facility in Lancaster. She had underlying health conditions.
- A Garland woman in her 80s, who had underlying health conditions
The additional cases announced bring the countywide total to 53,831, including 751 confirmed deaths.
Denton County reports 2 deaths, 67 new cases
Denton County Public Health announced two more people died from the novel coronavirus Saturday, and 67 cases have been confirmed.
Health officials said the deaths include a man in his 80s, who was a resident of Brook Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Carrollton, and a woman in her 70s, who was a resident of Eagle Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Denton.
“We ask for your thoughts and prayers for these two individuals’ family and friends,” said County Judge Andy Eads.
Eads continues to urge residents to wear masks, wash their hands frequently and social distance to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
DCPH said the new cases brings the countywide total to 7,586, including 62 deaths and 4,494 recoveries.
DCPH is hosting a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing center in Argyle on Tuesday, Aug. 11. It will be held at Cross Timbers Church located at 1119 US-377, starting at 8 a.m. If you would like to attend, you’re asked to pre-register by calling 940-349-2585.
Click here for more information.
Tarrant County reports 765 new cases
Tarrant County health officials reported 765 confirmed cases of COVID-19 Saturday. County health officials also announced 14 probable cases and no new deaths.
Collin County reports 171 new cases
Collin County health officials reported 171 new cases Saturday, bringing the countywide total to 7,439.
According to health officials, more than 7,000 people have recovered from COVID-19 and 89 people have died since tracking began in March.