x
Breaking News
More () »

COVID-19 updates: Dallas County reports new daily record for cases

Earlier this week, Dallas County had gone four days in a row where the daily case count was less than 1,000.

Dallas County health officials have reported a new daily record of 1,267 cases. This comes the day after the county announced its first pre-teen death during the pandemic.  

Dallas County reported 18 deaths Saturday and Tarrant County reported a record-high of 15. 

The latest victims in Dallas County to die range from a man in his 30s to a woman in her 90s. 

This brings the total case count in Dallas County to 46,013 and 604 confirmed deaths.

According to county officials, there have been more than 98 confirmed cases in children and staff from 65 separate daycares since June 1. This includes three staff members requiring hospitalization. 

Health officials say of the 604 confirmed deaths reported to date, about a third have been associated with long-term care facilities. 

Tarrant County expanding free saliva COVID-19 testing 

The City of Fort Worth is expanding its pilot program for residents to receive a a free COVID-19 saliva test. 

The City announced it’s partnership with Tarrant County to launch the program last week. 

During the first week, 1,339 residents were tested. 

Now, the City is adding more appointments at two locations: 

  • J.P. Elder Middle School, 709 N.W. 21st St. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. July 28-31. Tests will be limited to 450 per day.
  • Dickies Arena Parking Garage, 3464 Trail Dr. 4-8 p.m. July 28-31. Tests will be limited to 300 per day.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Fort Worth to bring more COVID-19 testing to Tarrant County,” Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said. “The saliva tests are easier for children to take and have a 48-hour turnaround. This gives us a better chance to track the spread of the virus in Tarrant County.” 

RELATED: Tarrant County residents can sign up for free saliva COVID-19 testing, City of Fort Worth says

Tarrant County reports record-high of 15 deaths

Tarrant County health officials reported a record-high of 15 coronavirus-related deaths Saturday, bringing the total to 344. 

Officials say the following victims had underlying health conditions: 

  • A woman in her 80s, three men in their 80s, and two women in their 90s, all from Grapevine.
  • A woman in her 60s and a woman in her 90s, both from Arlington.
  • Two men in their 80s, two women in their 50s, and a man in his 60s, all from Fort Worth.
  • Two men in their 70s, both from Lake Worth.

Health officials also announced 584 new cases Saturday afternoon. According to the county's COVID-19 dashboard, 11,956 residents have recovered since tracking began in March. 

Denton County reports 128 new cases, 2 deaths

Denton County Public Health confirmed two more people have died from the novel coronavirus, bringing the countywide total to 49 deaths. 

The latest victims were a Roanoke woman in her 80s, and an unincorporated Denton County man in his 80s. 

DCPH also announced 128 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the countywide total to 6,043 cases since tracking began in March. 

Health officials said 3,276 residents have recovered. 

“We cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance to take every precaution possible to keep you and your families safe – wearing masks, physically distancing, and washing hands frequently," said Denton County Judge Andy Eads. 

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

Hospital capacity in Dallas 

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

RELATED: Gov. Abbott says 'no local official is actually stepping up' to enforce safety orders

More on WFAA:

Before You Leave, Check This Out