This story is from April 1. For updates from April 2, click here.
Dallas County has surpassed 700 cases of COVID-19. The novel coronavirus continues to spread throughout the Dallas area, resulting in more cases among first responders, residents at long-term care facilities and inmates.
"We’re beginning to see the curve rise and we all must do our part to exercise personal responsibility," Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins partially said in a written statement.
On Wednesday afternoon, Dallas County health officials reported 100 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total case count to 731. One of those cases is a staff member at Westridge Nursing Home in Lancaster, officials said.
In addition to the new cases, two more people have died. This brings the total death count to 15 in the county, officials say.
The two patients who died were a Mesquite man in his 50s and Garland woman in her 80s. County officials say both patients had been critically ill in area hospitals.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins released the following written statement in response to the increase of cases:
“We’re beginning to see the curve rise and we all must do our part to exercise personal responsibility. Along those lines, many of our faith leaders have stepped up to provide the help needed so that our churches and religious organizations, regardless of size, will have the capability to do remote services in compliance with Governor Abbott’s order yesterday, without subjecting their congregations to increased chances of exposure that would come from meeting in congregant settings. As a result of the uncertainty around the order, I am working with the State on behalf of our federal partners, to get them the answers they need. We are all in this together and together we will #FlattenTheCurve.”
Top updates for Wednesday, April 1:
- Gov. Greg Abbott has issued an executive order that only allows Texans to leave their homes for essential activities. The order starts on Thursday and will last through April 30.
- Parkland Hospital nurses will be testing residents Wednesday at five different nursing home facilities in Dallas County where cases have been reported.
- Dallas city leaders are urging shoppers to avoid buying or stockpiling WIC-approved items this week if they can as benefits for some low-income families kick-in April 1.
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price implores residents to stay home from church
Under Fort Worth's stay-at-home order, churches are expected to remain closed and services are to be done remotely unless absolutely necessary, and even then, the church must practice social distancing, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price said in a Facebook Live Wednesday.
"You’ve probably seen it that cases are rising where faith communities have gathered together," Price said. "Seriously, don’t go to church if you can help it."
Price also said to keep sharing things that bring you joy — you can even share them with the mayor through her social media channels.
Watch the full Facebook Live here.
Johnson County reports five new cases
County health officials reported five new cases of COVID-19 across the county Wednesday for a total now of 13 cases.
There are seven positive cases in Burleson, two in Cleburne, one in Mansfield and three in unincorporated Johnson County, a tweet from Johnson County Emergency Management officials said.
Fourth Dallas police officer tests positive
A fourth officer with the Dallas Police Department has tested positive for COVID-19, officials confirmed to WFAA.
The command staff was notified Tuesday night about the case. Dallas police officials say the officer who tested positive works at the South Central Patrol and has not returned to the office since March 24.
At this time, DPD officials say no other officers or employees at the South Central Patrol have shown signs or symptoms of the novel coronavirus. However, the department’s medical team will assess other officers and require them to quarantine if they do test positive, officials say.
The area where the officer worked will be sanitized by a professional contractor.
The first confirmed case within DPD was reported on March 19. That officer works at the city’s Northeast Patrol division and stayed quarantined at home after receiving her test results.
Tarrant County reports 2 additional deaths
On Wednesday morning, Tarrant County health officials confirmed two additional deaths related to COVID-19. One patient was a male from Hurst and the other patient was a female from Fort Worth, officials say.
The woman who died on Tuesday is the first person in Fort Worth to die from the novel coronavirus, officials say.
"Any loss of life is tragic, but this is particularly sobering," Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price said. "My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time."
Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja said both of the patients had underlying medical conditions before testing positive for the novel coronavirus.
Health officials are working to determine if the two patients had close contact with anyone during their time being infected with COVID-19. If so, those people will be tested and asked to self-isolate.
This brings to the total death count to 3 in Tarrant County.
Dallas County releases updated map of cases by zip code
Dallas County Health and Human Services tweeted out an updated map of all the COVID-19 cases that have been reported in the county as of March 31, broken down by zip code.
The zip codes with the highest number of cases are: 75115, 75216, 75219 and 75225. All four areas have reported 20 or more cases.
Only a few zip codes in the county have not yet reported any cases.
Plano officials to deploy 'friendly monitors' at parks
Plano officials announced Wednesday morning that they will be deploying Parks and Recreation and library staff members to every major park in the city.
This is in response to concerns city officials have received regarding residents who are not following social distancing guidelines at Plano parks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those same staff members, who will be wearing City of Plano shirts and badges, will also be sent to smaller neighborhood parks on a rotational basis, officials say.
“These ‘friendly monitors’ will remind park patrons about the City’s emergency declaration, which recommends social distancing,” officials said in a news release.
Dallas police encourage residents to use online reporting system
The Dallas Police Department shared a live stream on its Facebook page to show community members how to use its online reporting system. The department says using the online reporting system lessens officers’ risk of exposure to COVID-19 and expedites police service.
Collin County reports 184 total cases
Collin County health officials confirm there have been a total of 184 positive cases of the novel coronavirus in the county.
So far, the county has had 53 people recover and 24 people hospitalized. There has been one reported death and 106 people remain at home in isolation, officials said.
Health experts recommend taking the following preventative actions:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Practice "social distancing" and stay at least 6 feet away from others and avoid large public gatherings
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Consult CDC’s travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the U.S.