The amount of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 continues to increase in Dallas County, along with the number of patients requiring hospitalization.
On Friday, Dallas County Health and Human Services officials reported 64 new positive cases of the novel coronavirus. This brings the total to 367 in the county.
Officials also said 36% of all hospitalized patients have required admission to intensive care units.
About two-thirds of hospitalized patients have been either over 60 years of age or had at least one underlying health condition, DCHHS said.
So far, there have been seven deaths related to the novel coronavirus reported in Dallas County.
Top headlines for Friday, March 27
- House lawmakers approve President Donald Trump's $2.2 trillion rescue package.
- Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order at a news conference Thursday that requires people flying into Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New Orleans to be quarantined for 14 days.
- Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins requests help from National Guard doctors, nurses.
A total of 4 Plano police officers have tested positive
The Plano Police Department says two more employees tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. That brings the total to four officers with positive tests.
Most of these cases have mild symptoms, none required hospitalization and all are expected to return to work soon.
According to the department, neither of the new cases were people who had traveled recently.
Officials believe they contracted the novel coronavirus from an employee who tested positive after traveling out of state.
The department plans to put any employees who had contact with those who tested positive on administrative leave.
One of the employees who tested positive did have contact with two citizens, who have also been notified.
Wise County testing site opens
A drive-thru testing site opened Friday at Wise Health System.
The site will operate by appointment only at WHS-Bridgeport Hospital, located at 1905 Medical Center Driver.
It will be open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Currently the hospital has 100 tests.
Individuals will need to meet one of the following criteria to be tested:
- Frontline healthcare provide, law enforcement personnel or EMS who has been exposed or sick
- Adults 65 and older
- Individuals with cough, fever, shortness of breath or diarrhea
- Individuals with underlying chronic medical conditions
- Individuals with recent international travel or travel to areas where COVID-19 is widespread
- People who have had close contact with a suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case
People who believe they meet the criteria should call 940-600-4969 for further screening. The hospital will collect insurance information and make an appointment for those who qualify. Anyone without insurance will pay $51.31 for testing.
Anyone being tested should bring a photo ID and insurane card. Test results come in within 48 hours.
AG Paxton says local authorities cannot restrict gun sales
AG General Ken Paxton issued a ruling Friday that local and county authorities cannot restrict the sales of firearms through emergency orders.
The ruling came after Rep. Dustin Burrows asked for Paxton to weigh in on the issue as many cities and counties issue emergency declarations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paxton said that while state law allows local governments to control movement in their region, they can't regulate the sale, possession or ownership of firearms. In fact, Paxton says that is "specifically prohibited under Texas law."
“Under our laws, every Texan retains their right to purchase and possess firearms,” said Attorney General Paxton in a release.
Texas law does allow local governments to regulate the use of firearms during a disaster.
You can find Paxton's full opinion here.
Tarrant County reports 14 new cases
Tarrant County health officials have confirmed 14 new cases of COVID-19. This brings their total case count to 114.
So far, there has also been one death related to the novel coronavirus confirmed in Tarrant County.
American Airlines flight attendant who had COVID-19 dies
Fort Worth-based American Airlines confirmed one of its flight attendants who tested positive for COVID-19, died earlier this week.
American says the flight attendant was a 65-year-old man who had underlying health conditions.
He became a flight attendant with American Airlines in 1997 and was currently based out of Philadelphia.
“Over the years he built a reputation as a consummate professional who was honored as one of American’s Flight Service Champions twice for his excellent service to our customers,” American Airlines said in a written statement.
2 health care employees test positive for COVID-19
A Southlake clinic is closed for cleaning after two employees tested positive for the novel coronavirus, officials confirmed Friday.
Two Baylor Scott & White employees who worked out of a location in Southlake have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Officials said they don't believe patients are at risk.
The ages of the employees or their current health conditions have not been released at this time.
Johnson County reports death of man at out-of-state hospital
Johnson County officials said a resident has died of the novel coronavirus at an out-of-state hospital. They say the man became sickened while on a cruise.
The man, who is in his 60s, had underlying health conditions, officials said.
His death was reported to the county late Thursday.
Statewide health data shows there have been three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County.
17 patients in Collin County have recovered from COVID-19
On Friday morning, Plano officials reported 22 new cases of COVID-19 in Collin County. This brings the total case count to 88 in the county.
So far, 17 patients in Collin County have recovered from the novel coronavirus, officials say. Eight people are hospitalized and 52 are at home in self-isolation, Plano officials say.
One death has also been confirmed to be associated with COVID-19 in Collin County, according to Plano officials.
Out of the 22 new cases confirmed Friday morning, 11 of the patients are from Plano, officials said in a news release.
Health experts recommend taking the following actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- 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.
More on WFAA:
- These are the confirmed COVID-19 cases in Dallas-Fort Worth
- LIST: Shop small and help local business amid the COVID-19 crisis
- How North Texas small businesses can apply for an economic injury disaster loan
- What you need to know about grocery shopping during the COVID-19 outbreak
- Need help in North Texas because of COVID-19? Here are the numbers to call