Tarrant County Public Health reported 1,503 new COVID-19 cases Friday, making this the week with the highest cases reported in the county since the pandemic began.
The previous record-high week ended on Nov. 21 with 8,791 confirmed cases. So far, this week has 8,810 confirmed cases and more numbers are expected to be released on Saturday.
There were seven additional deaths reported Friday, bring the county total to 871 deaths.
The deaths include two Arlington men in their 80s, a Fort Worth man in his 80s, a Fort Worth man in his 70s, two Arlington men in their 60s and a White Settlement man in his 50s. Six of these people had underlying high-risk health conditions.
County officials reported 1,894 daily cases on Thursday and 1,302 cases on Wednesday.
There are currently 857 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Tarrant County, the 11th straight day with more than 800 hospitalizations.
This makes up 16% of all beds in Tarrant County hospitals. The COVID-19 capacity percentage has remained above 15% for 13 consecutive days, according to Tarrant County health officials.
Dallas County adds eight new COVID-19 deaths
Dallas County health officials reported eight new COVID-19 deaths Friday, bringing the total to 1,230 confirmed deaths since tracking began in March.
These deaths include a Mesquite woman in her 30s, Dallas woman in her 60s, Dallas man in his 60s, two Dallas men in his 70s, Dallas woman in her 70s and two Dallas women in her 80s. All had underlying high-risk health conditions.
County officials also reported 906 new COVID-19 cases, 257 of which came from antigen tests and are considered probable.
There has now been a total of 131,479 cases in the county since tracking began in March.
Denton County announces 6 deaths
Denton County Public Health announced six more residents died from the coronavirus Friday, bringing the countywide total to 158 confirmed deaths since tracking began in mid-March.
Health officials said the deaths include two men in their 70s, who were both residents at Longmeadow Healthcare Center in Justin, two residents at Cedar Ridge Rehabilitation in Pilot Point, a resident at Autumn Leaves in Carrollton, and a Lewisville man in his 80s.
“We are at a critical point with COVID-19 in our county,” Denton County Judge Andy Eads said. “We must honor the lives of those around us by wearing masks when around anyone we do not live with. Please add these six individuals’ families and friends to your thoughts and prayers and do your part in slowing the spread of COVID-19.”
DCPH also announced 553 cases of COVID-19 Friday, of which 378 are active cases. This increases the countywide total to 25, 645 confirmed cases since tracking began in mid-March.
DCPH Director Dr. Matt Richardson says the county is monitoring its shortage of ICU beds, saying there are only six available.
“Masks and distancing are the only way to help a stressed and critical situation developing in our hospitals. We’re asking everyone to be a part of the solution – comply with the recommendations to help others,” said Richardson.
DCPH will host a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing center on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at University of North Texas’ Discovery Park at 3940 N. Elm Street in Denton. Eligible community members must reside in Denton County, pre-register by calling 940-349-2585, and have not previously tested positive for COVID-19. Pre-registration is required and appointments are available starting at 8 a.m.
Wise County in the midst of worst 4-week stretch of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began
Wise County had 51 new confirmed COVID-19 cases Friday, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
In the past four weeks, Wise County has had 1,146 cases reported, which comes out to an average of 41 cases a day. That is a county record.
The previous record happened this summer when the county averaged 12 COVID-19 cases a day from Aug. 4–31.
Farmers Branch cancels several Christmas events
The City of Farmers Branch has announced the cancellation of several Christmas events due to the increase of coronavirus cases in Dallas County.
The county reported its second-highest daily count during the pandemic Thursday afternoon with 2,122 cases.
Friday morning, Deputy City Manager John Land the decision was made after safety professionals advised to avoid large gatherings this holiday season.
Below is a list of canceled events:
- Christmas Tree Lighting, Dec. 5
- Holiday Marketplaces at The Grove, Dec. 12 and 19
- Christmas Teas at the Historical Park, Dec. 5 and 12
- A Dickens of a Dinner at the Historical Park, Dec. 10
- A Christmas Carol Exhibit Tours, Dec. 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19
- Holiday Craze, Dec. 21-23, 28-31, and Jan. 4
“Canceling City events is never easy, but the safety and well-being of the general public is the clear priority,” Land said.
For a list of events that are still happening, click here.
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Dallas ISD asks for parents input on possible extended school year options
The Dallas Independent School District is asking parents to fill out a survey on a possible extended school year for 2021–22.
The district said it's exploring three different options that would help mitigate learning loss due to the pandemic.
The board of trustees will then vote in January on the next school year's calendar, officials said in a Facebook video.
The survey can be found online at dallasisd.org/timetolearn.