This story will be updated throughout the day as new information is released.
During a Friday morning news conference, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins remained masked-up, citing new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Jenkins said new evidence shows COVID-19 can spread indoors beyond six feet. He urged people to wear masks at all times indoors if not at home.
He and other county health officials encourage people to stay home and only with members of their household during the Christmas holiday.
"We don't want COVID to be an uninvited guest this holiday," Jenkins said.
Dallas County has seen a record-high number of new coronavirus cases this week, and Texas set a record Thursday with 16,864 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 3,524 new probable cases, and 266 new deaths.
County health officials reported 2,248 new cases Friday and 10 additional coronavirus-related deaths. Officials said of that number, 1,938 cases are confirmed and 310 are considered probable.
The deaths include:
- An Irving woman in her 40’s, who had been critically ill and did not have underlying high-risk health conditions.
- A Dallas man in his 50’s, who died in a facility and had underlying high-risk health conditions.
- A Grand Prairie woman in her 60’s, who had been hospitalized and had underlying high-risk health conditions.
- A Garland man in his 60’s, who had been critically ill in an area hospital and had underlying high-risk health conditions.
- A Mesquite woman in her 60’s, who had been critically ill in an area hospital and had underlying high-risk health conditions.
- A Grand Prairie woman in her 70’s, who had been critically ill in an area hospital and had underlying high-risk health conditions.
- A Mesquite woman in her 70’s, who had been critically ill in an area hospital and had underlying high-risk health conditions.
- A Dallas man in his 80’s, who had been critically ill in an area hospital and had underlying high-risk health conditions.
- A Richardson woman in her 80’s, who had been critically ill in an area hospital and had underlying high-risk health conditions.
- A Duncanville man in his 90’s, who had been hospitalized and had underlying high-risk health conditions.
County health officials said this brings the case count to 152,447, including 1,423 confirmed deaths.
County health officials also announced a record high number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at 867 by the end of Thursday.
This week started with Methodist Dallas Medical Center receiving shipments of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and frontline workers receiving the shot.
However, two days later, Dallas County reached a new record in daily cases when more than 2,400 were reported.
Tarrant County also confirmed its highest number of hospitalizations Thursday with 1,013 patients.
Friday, Tarrant County health officials reported 2,016 cases of COVID-19, an increase for the third day in a row.
"While we have good news with the vaccine coming, we're in a dangerous time," Jenkins said.
The judge said it will take time for everyone to be vaccinated. Health care providers and residents of long-term care facilities will receive the shots first.
"I will take the vaccine without hesitation, and I will take it publicly when my tier of risk is called," Jenkins said. "And why wouldn't I? This vaccine is safe. It's effective."
In the meantime, Jenkins said people should continue practicing social distancing and wearing masks. He said people should avoid shopping indoors and use curbside options when possible.
He also encouraged people to order food to go instead of dining or drinking indoors.
"Your mental health will survive without you going to a bar," Jenkins said.
Dallas County Public Health Director Dr. Philip Huang said the average person likely won't be vaccinated until the summer. He said he expects inoculations to continue through October.
"It's going to take awhile to get through and vaccinate even these top tiers," Huang said.
Fort Worth police chief tests positive for COVID-19
The Fort Worth Police Department says Chief Ed Kraus tested positive Friday for the novel coronavirus.
According to the press released, Kraus is asymptomatic and "will follow the standard procedures of quarantining at home."
Kraus announced his retirement from the department in July, following a summer of civil rights protests. He said he would stay on as interim chief of police until his replacement is hired.
Denton County reports 702 cases, 3 deaths
Denton County Public Health announced 702 cases of COVID-19 and three additional deaths. This brings the countywide total to 33,822 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 183 deaths.
Today’s deaths included a man and woman from Denton, and a woman who was a resident at Longmeadow Healthcare Center in Justin.
“We ask that you bestow prayers upon the families of these individuals,” Denton County Judge Andy Eads said.
Health officials reported 875 patients were hospitalized with the virus.
“Our hospitals, which are quickly filling, have medical staff in the trenches fighting the battle against this virus. We can help by doing our part to stay healthy and safe by wearing masks, social distancing, and washing and sanitizing hands frequently.”
DCPH will host a free COVID-19 testing drive-thru Tuesday, Dec. 22 at UNT’s Discovery Park at 2940 N. Elm Street in Denton. Eligible community members must live in Denton County and pre-register by calling 940-349-2585. Appointments begin at 8 a.m.
Kaufman County in midst of worst 4-week stretch of new COVID-19 cases this year
State health officials added 115 COVID-19 cases in Kaufman County Friday, bringing the total count to 6,740 since tracking began in March.
The record single-day total happened on Nov. 24 when 381 new cases were reported.
From Nov. 21—Dec. 18, there has been an average of 88 COVID-19 cases added per day. This is a 4-week average county record.
Walmart temporarily closes Garland location
Walmart announced that it will be temporarily closing its store at 1855 S Garland Avenue at 2 p.m. Friday to allow thorough cleaning and sanitization of the building.
Garland health officials confirmed the store was closing due to a COVID-19 outbreak among employees, but didn't say how many cases there were.
The company said the location will remain closed Saturday so that employees can restock shelves and prep the store to reopen at 7 a.m. Sunday.
National Latino Law Enforcement Organization continues to offer tests
The Dallas Chapter of the National Latino Law Enforcement Organization said due to the number of requests it will continue to offer COVID-19 testing leading up to Christmas.
Testing is available from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day at the 3730 block of Ladd Street. There will be no testing on Dec. 24, 25, 26, 31, and Jan 1.
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