DALLAS — Dallas County health officials reported Wednesday, 21 more residents died from the 2019 novel coronavirus, bringing the countywide total to 3,201 confirmed deaths.
Health officials said the deaths included men and women who ranged in age from 50 to over 80.
Health officials also reported 557 additional positive cases, of which 287 are considered probable from antigen tests. This brings the countywide total to 248,495 cases of COVID-19.
During the past 30 days, officials said there were at least 1,714 cases reported from schools, including students and staff testing positive. There have also been at least 11 outbreaks in congregate-living facilities (homeless shelters, group homes and halfway homes).
Wednesday marked the one-year anniversary of the county’s first COVID case.
“It has been a long year, but I am so thankful for the resolve and resiliency of the people of Dallas County and North Texas,” Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said.
“You've helped one another whether volunteering at food banks, vaccination sites or donating to a worthy cause. So many North Texans have been a part of this fight. The fight is not over but we are now turning the tide and winning it,” said Jenkins.
Today was also the first day of Texas reopening at 100%, including the mask mandate being lifted.
Jenkins encouraged residents to continue to practice COVID-19 precautions and to register for the vaccine.
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Tarrant County reports 2 new deaths, slight decrease in hospitalizations
Tarrant County health officials reported a slight decrease in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 on Wednesday.
According to the county's dashboard, there are currently 314 patients in area hospitals. This is a slight improvement compared to 342 hospitalizations reported the day prior. One month ago, there were 893 coronavirus-related hospitalizations confirmed in Tarrant County.
The county also reported 448 new coronavirus cases and 2 deaths. The latest victims who died include a woman from Bedford in her 70s and a man from Arlington in his 50s. Both had underlying health conditions.
As of Wednesday, there have been more than 408,000 Tarrant County residents who have received the coronavirus vaccine. Of those residents, at least 155,000 have received both vaccine doses, according to the county's website.
Denton County reports 616 cases
Denton County Public Health announced 616 additional cases of COVID-19 Wednesday afternoon, of which 561 are active cases. This increases the countywide total to 68,852 COVID-19 cases, including 431 confirmed deaths.
DCPH also reported 671 more residents recovered from COVID-19, increasing the countywide recovery total to 57,551.
Grand Prairie, Irving vaccination site reopens as a drive-thru
Grand Prairie and Irving have transitioned their joint COVID-19 vaccine site into a drive-thru operation. The vaccination site is located at The Theatre at Grand Prairie on 1001 Performance Place.
Officials said they will administer 2,000 first Moderna doses and 1,000-second doses Wednesday. The City of Irving said people who received their first dose on Feb. 10 should return Wednesday with their CDC card. People should return around for the second dose around the same time as their first appointment.
Registration and appointment confirmation required. The vaccine is currently only available for people eligible for the Phase 1A or 1B criteria. Click here for more information on the registration process.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice announces return of face-to-face volunteer services
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced Wednesday that face-to-face volunteer services will resume on March 15.
TDCJ said no services will be allowed without being scheduled first through unit chaplains. Scheduling will begin on March 10 and services will be scheduled for 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Officials said religious services will be an-hour long and two volunteers are allowed per service with limited inmates in an effort to follow social distancing guidelines.
Volunteers are asked to arrive one hour ahead of scheduled activities. Before they're able to enter a facility, volunteers will be required to take a 15-minute rapid COVID-19 test conducted by the agency. TDCJ said volunteers will need to stay in their car until the test is completed.
Volunteers are also required to wear a face mask. Click here for more details.
Arlington Fire Department to vaccinate Mansfield, Kennedale ISD employees
The Arlington Fire Department said it plans to administer about 2,000 Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to Mansfield ISD and Kennedale ISD employees Wednesday. Local charter and private schools employees are also eligible, officials said.
The vaccinations will be given from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. inside Esports Stadium Arlington & Expo Center at 1200 Ballpark Way.
One week ago, the state health department announced it would expand vaccines to Texas educators.