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COVID-19 live updates: Dallas County ends week with lowest number of deaths in nearly a month

As more businesses begin to reopen, residents are asked to continue practicing social distancing and follow CDC guidelines.

Dallas County will end the week with the lowest number of coronavirus-related deaths since late April, according to health officials. 

“We closed out our week with a total of 27 deaths, six lower than last week, and the lowest number we’ve had since the week of April 19,” Judge Clay Jenkins said.

Saturday afternoon, county health officials reported 214 new cases and six deaths.

The following victims had been ill at local hospitals before dying from complications of COVID-19.

  • A Mesquite man in his 40s.
  • A Dallas woman in her 50s.
  • A Garland woman in her 70s.
  • A Grand Prairie man in his 80s.
  • An Irving man in his 80s who lived at a long-term care facility.
  • A Mesquite woman in her 100s who also lived at a long-term care facility.

Health officials say of the 170 deaths reported to date, more than a third have been associated with long-term care facilities. There have been 7,250 cases countywide since testing began in March.

“Today’s 214 cases puts us at an average of 233 cases a day, down from 246 from last week. This tracks the medical modeling from early April that we would plateau and begin to go down at this time. We have not yet seen the impact of reopening the economy during a sharp increase rather than waiting for a 14-day decline,” Jenkins said.

RELATED: What will reopen on Monday in Texas?

In a couple of days, Gov. Greg Abbott will announce his next steps in reopening more of the economy. The governor is expected to make an announcement Monday. 

This is the same day gyms and office workplaces will be allowed to reopen at 25% occupancy. A local company says it's rushing to sanitize businesses as employees prepare to come back to work. 

In addition to many nonessential businesses reopening, YCMA locations throughout Dallas-Fort Worth have announced they plan to offer summer camps for children. 

The YMCA expects Abbott to unveil summer camp guidelines within the next few days. Once those are released, a more specific plan about YMCA programming will follow.  

RELATED: A sigh of relief for moms and dads: some North Texas YMCA’s will offer summer camps for kids

RELATED: Gov. Greg Abbott is encouraging tax authorities to cut property tax rates, not raise them

Top updates for Saturday, May 16:

  • Democrats powered a massive $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through the House on Friday. It would deliver another round of $1,200 direct payments to individuals and other financial aid.
  •  The Texas Supreme Court on Friday temporarily put on hold an expansion of voting by mail during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • NFL teams can begin reopening their facilities on Tuesday if state and local governments will allow it. 

For a daily roundup of the biggest coronavirus news from around North Texas, sign up for the WFAA COVID-19 email newsletter. 

Tarrant County reports 84 new cases, 1 death

On May 16, Tarrant County health officials reported 84 new cases of COVID-19 and one death. 

County health officials have confirmed a total of 4,350 cases and 121 deaths since testing started in March. So far, 1,470 residents have recovered from the disease. 

RELATED: Here are the confirmed cases of coronavirus in Tarrant County

Denton County reports 11 new cases

Denton County Public Health announced 11 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the countywide total to 1,051 cases.

DCPH also announced that two additional people have recovered from the virus. So far, there have been 28 deaths and 539 recoveries. 

RELATED: Here are the confirmed coronavirus cases in Denton County 

Bed Bath & Beyond to reopen 13 stores

Saturday afternoon, Bed Bath & Beyond announced it will reopen the following stores in North Texas: 

  • Plano: 801 West 15th St, Suite D
  • Addison: 13900 Dallas Parkway
  • Dallas: Caruth Plaza, 8005 Park Lane
  • Southlake: 2930 East Southlake Blvd
  • Denton: 2315 Colorado Boulevard, Suite 180
  • McKinney: 2975 Craig Drive, Suite 300
  • Arlington: 4000 Retail Connection Way, Suite 101
  • Fort worth: 4931 Overton Ridge Blvd
  • Frisco: 2930 Preston Road, Suite 400
  • West Plano: 6400 West Plano Parkway, Suite 125
  • Lewisville: 420 East FM 3040, Suite 300
  • Rockwall: 963 East Interstate Highway 30
  • Flower Mound: 6101 Long Prairie Road, Suite 200

The stores will follow CDC guidelines such as enhanced cleaning, social distancing, having employees wear masks and gloves, early shopping hours for at-risk customers, and the continuing of curbside pickup. 

More safety measures from Bed Bath & Beyond can be read here. 

Ellis County reports 6 new cases, 3 recoveries

Health officials confirmed six new positive cases of COVID-19 Saturday in Ellis County. Officials also announced three additional people have recovered from the virus.

The new cases bring the county’s total to 271 cases, including 184 recoveries.

RELATED: Here are the confirmed coronavirus cases in Ellis County

Daily hospital capacity numbers

The city of Dallas released the following numbers as reported Friday by 25 hospitals. 

  • Total beds: 5,713
    • Beds occupied: 3,641
  • Total ICU beds: 826
    • ICU beds occupied: 546
  • Total ventilators: 945
    • Ventilators in use: 323

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.

Digital producer Briauna Brown contributed to this story. 

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