This story is from May 8. To read the latest updates from May 9, click here.
Tarrant County has reached its highest number of single-day cases reported during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Friday afternoon, Tarrant County health officials reported 171 new cases and five more deaths. This brings the countywide case total to 3,127 and 95 deaths.
The record-high case number in Tarrant County was announced the same day that more businesses in Texas were allowed to partially reopen.
Hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, and tanning salons are among those that are able to reopen Friday under certain guidelines.
Under Gov. Greg Abbott's latest orders, gyms will also be allowed to reopen on May 18 at 25% occupancy.
Phase 1 of the reopening measures started on May 1, when malls, movie theaters, retailers and restaurants were allowed to reopen at 25% capacity
Bars are not allowed to reopen at this time.
Top updates for Friday, May 8:
- The U.S. unemployment rate hit 14.7% in April, the highest rate since the Great Depression, as 20.5 million jobs vanished in the worst monthly loss on record.
- Changes to the Texas COVID-19 guidelines will allow some swimming pools to reopen Friday. Here are five things you need to know before taking the plunge.
- A Fort Worth-area landlord spent four nights in the Tarrant County jail after severing utilities for one of his tenants and ignoring a judge's order to turn them back on.
For a daily roundup of the biggest coronavirus news from around North Texas, sign up for the WFAA COVID-19 email newsletter.
Dallas County reports 10 more deaths
Ten more residents of Dallas County have died from COVID-19, health officials announced Friday.
Of the 135 total deaths reported to date in Dallas County, more than a third have been associated with long-term care facilities, officials say.
Officials say the following 10 victims had been hospitalized before dying:
- A man in his 40s who lived at a long-term care facility in Duncanville.
- A man in his 50s who lived in Dallas.
- A woman in her 60s who lived at a long-term care facility in Richardson.
- A man in his 60s who lived at a long-term care facility in Dallas.
- A woman in her 60s who lived in Lancaster.
- A man in his 70s who lived in Dallas.
- A man in his 70s who lived in Irving.
- A man in his 70s who lived at a long-term care facility in Duncanville.
- A woman in her 80s who lived at a long-term care facility in Dallas.
- A man in his 90s lived at a long-term care facility in Garland and was in hospice care.
Officials also reported 249 additional cases Friday, bringing the countywide total to 5,369.
Life Care Center resident in Plano dies
A 92-year-old man who lived at the Life Care Center in Plano died Friday, Collin County health officials say.
The patient had underlying health conditions and had tested positive for COVID-19.
Earlier in the day, county health officials also confirmed an 82-year-old McKinney man who tested positive for COVID-19 died Wednesday.
The man was a resident of North Park Health and Rehabilitation Center.
As of Friday afternoon, health officials report 887 people have tested positive for COVID-19 and 27 patients have died.
Among Collin County residents, 580 have recovered and 21 are currently hospitalized, officials say.
Fannin County reports 3 new cases
Health officials in Fannin County have reported three new cases of COVID-19 this week. The patients include a 29-year-old woman, a 37-year-old man, and a 78-year-old man.
Officials also confirmed the first coronavirus-related death in the county this week. The victim was a veteran in his 70s who lived at a long-term care facility, according to officials.
So far, there is a total of 26 countywide cases reported as of Friday. This includes the first inmate in the county to test positive, a 55-year-old inmate in the Fannin County Jail, officials say.
The first case including a resident at a long-term care facility was also confirmed at the Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham, according to officials.
A drive-thru COVID-19 testing station will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Fannin County Multi-purpose Complex.
Appointments are required ahead of time. They can be made online or by calling 512-883-2400.
2 additional Hunt County residents test positive
Two people in Hunt County have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, officials report. This brings the countywide total to 54.
The patients include a woman between 31 to 49 years old who lives within the zip code 75189. The other patient is a man older than 65 who lives within the zip code 75474.
Health officials say both patients are recovering at home.
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:
- Jobless rate spikes to 14.7%, highest since the Great Depression
- Dale Hansen Unplugged: Gov. Abbott, other state leaders prove law doesn't matter after Dallas salon owner released from jail
- WFAA's Kevin Reece thanks his little sister, and Texas nurses for their heroism in fight against coronavirus
- Will job search requirements be restored as Texas reopens? More questions answered on unemployment benefits