This story will be updated throughout the day on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020.
A Fort Worth man in his 20s is among the latest people to die from COVID-19, officials announced Wednesday.
Tarrant County health officials reported four other deaths, including a Hurst woman in her 80s to a Fort Worth woman in her 40s.
Officials said all but one of the five people had underlying health conditions, however, did not specify which person didn't have high-risk factors.
Wednesday's latest information brings the county's death toll to 854 people since tracking began in March,
The county also announced 1,730 new cases. The county did however see a slight decrease in hospitalizations as its COVID-19 dashboard states there are currently 881 patients compared to 896.
Dallas County reports 1,640 new cases
Dallas County health officials added 1,640 confirmed COVID-19 cases Wednesday, bringing the total to 129,193 since tracking began in March.
Of these new cases, 233 came from antigen tests and are considered probable.
Judge Clay Jenkins tweeted that the new numbers from Wednesday should be accurate because "all reporting agencies are back online with regular reporting after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend."
The county also had three new deaths. These included a Lancaster woman in her 40s and a Dallas woman in her 70s who both had high-risk underlying health conditions. A Duncanville woman in her 60s also died who did not have high-rish underlying health conditions.
There have now been 1,221 confirmed deaths.
Bamlanivimab treatment offered at Dallas hospital
A Dallas hospital announced Wednesday that it is now offering bamlanivimab monoclonal antibody infusions on a limited basis.
Medical City Healthcare officials said the treatment is available to patients who tested positive for COVID-19 and have other high-risk factors.
In a news release, health officials said the high-risk conditions that could eligible for the treatment include:
- Obesity
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppressive disease
- Heart disease
Medical City Healthcare officials said the antibody therapy is meant to help anyone 12 and older who has a mild to moderate case of coronavirus and is at risk of developing a more severe version of the disease.
The hospital added that among children, some other underlying health conditions that are considerations for eligibility include sickle cell disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, and asthma.
Before receiving bamlanivimab therapy, patients must obtain a referral from a Medical City Healthcare ER physician. People considered eligible will then receive a dose via IV.
The hospital said bamlanivimab is not authorized for anyone hospitalized due to COVID-19, requires oxygen therapy due to coronavirus, or due to other underlying medical conditions.
Denton County has record-high number of COVID-19 hospitalizations
Denton County health officials reported 140 people hospitalized with COVID-19 on Tuesday. The county also reported a record-high 143 hospitalizations on Monday.
The county released those numbers Wednesday.
The previous record was 141 which was set on both Nov. 24 and Nov. 25.
There have been at least 100 people in the hospital with COVID-19 for 22 straight days, a county record.
Denton County health officials report that the percentage of COVID-19 patients is currently 16.4%. This capacity has remained above 15% since Nov. 21.
Grayson, Henderson counties set new daily records
Grayson County had a record 257 confirmed COVID-19 cases Tuesday.
The previous record happened on Nov. 24 when there were 208 new reported cases.
The county currently has a 14-day average of 71.43 cases a day. The current record is 79.86, happening from Nov. 11–24.
Henderson County had a record 87 confirmed COVID-19 cases Tuesday.
The previous record happened on July 14 when there were 63 new reported cases.
The county currently has a 14-day average of 18.79 cases a day. The current record is 21.64, happening from Nov. 8–21.
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