This story will be updated throughout the day as new information is released.
Deaths continue to surge in the two largest counties in North Texas, with Tarrant and Dallas counties reporting some of their highest totals since the pandemic began.
Dallas County officials reported 30 deaths on Thursday, which followed the 33 they reported on Wednesday.
The deaths ranged from an Irving man in his 50 to a Dallas man in 90s, both of whom had been critically ill in area hospitals.
Five of the people who died did not have underlying high-risk health conditions, and two were residents in long-term care facilities.
Nearly 30 deaths have been reported in Tarrant County the past two days, as officials announced 14 deaths Thursday and 15 deaths Wednesday.
The latest victims to die range from an Arlington woman in her 40s to a Fort Worth man in his 80s. Officials said all of the patients had underlying health conditions.
In addition to the latest deaths confirmed, the county is also reporting more than 1,200 additional cases and an increase in hospitalizations related to COVID-19.
There are currently 898 patients in area hospitals compared to 890 reported the day before, according to the county's dashboard. One month ago there were 673 patients.
The county has reported 101,836 confirmed cases since tracking began in March.
Denton County reports 681 new cases Thursday; 5 ICU beds available
Denton County Public Health (DCPH) reported 681 new cases of coronavirus Thursday, bringing the cumulative, countywide total to 28,577 positive cases. There were no new deaths reported Thursday, keeping the county at 161 recorded deaths.
The county also reported five available ICU beds Thursday.
Over in Collin County, officials reported 531 new cases of coronavirus Thursday.
Palmer ISD moves to all-remote learning for rest of 2020
Representatives for Palmer Independent School District in Ellis County said today the school district would be moving to remote learning for the end of the calendar year. School is in session until Dec. 18.
Students will not be back at school until Jan. 5, but the district will still provide drive-thru meal pickup, an emailed statement from the school district said Thursday.
Dallas County reports outbreaks at long-term facilities at highest level
Dallas County officials said Thursday there are 101 active outbreaks in long-term care facilities, the highest level at any time during the pandemic.
The in the past 30 days, there have 857 new cases, including 328 staff members, 38 people hospitalized with COVID-19, and 30 deaths.
Officials said two of the deaths were staff members.
In addition, county officials said there were 24 outbreaks at congregate living facilities, such as homeless shelters.
Those outbreaks have been tied to 155 cases, five hospitalizations and two deaths.
County officials said one facility has reported 87 confirmed coronavirus cases.
80-year-old priest dies from complications related to coronavirus
A priest has died from complications related to COVID-19, the Catholic Diocese of Dallas stated on Facebook.
The Diocese said Father Antonio Salvador Rodriguez died Wednesday at Baylor Hospital. He was 80 years old.
Rodriguez was a priest of the Archdiocese of San Luis Potosi in Mexico. Church officials said he came to the Diocese of Dallas in 2001.
In 2008, he was incardinated into the Diocese of Dallas. He retired from active ministry two years ago.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Dallas Opera to bring back live performances in March
The Dallas Opera announced it will resume live performances in March at the Winspear.
The premiere of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly will kick off the opera's new season on March 5, 7 and 13, officials said.
With live performances resuming in March, social distancing and strict safety protocols will be in place both onstage and off, officials said.
There will not be any intermissions, and hall capacity will be no greater than 30%.
Anyone who doesn't feel ready to attend the performances in-person can watch on-demand videos of productions free of charge, the opera said.
For more information on tickets and the Spring performance schedule, click here.
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