This story is from July 3. To read the latest updates from July 4, click here.
For the first time since tracking began in March, Dallas County is reporting more than 1,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Friday afternoon, county health officials announced 1,085 cases and six deaths.
Judge Clay Jenkins stated on Twitter, that the numbers being reported now are actually a reflection of tests from up to a week ago.
"Remember that because it is taking up to 10 days to get back much of the test results, the situation we are seeing with the rise in positive cases is not what is happening today, but what was happening a week or more ago," he tweeted.
This also marks the deadliest week thus far in the pandemic, bringing the countywide total to 393 deaths.
"So far this week, we’ve seen a jump in the average number of daily cases from 451 last week to 680 this week and have recorded 42 deaths our deadliest week thus far," Jenkins said.
The latest victims range from their 60s to 90s and all had underlying health conditions, according to officials.
Dallas County officials reported 513 hospitalizations due to the novel coronavirus as of Thursday.
Tarrant County officials said they would not be releasing numbers Friday and Saturday due to the holiday. The next update on COVID-19 in Tarrant is expected Sunday.
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City of Dallas sends 'Emergency Alert' text to residents
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson confirmed on Twitter that the City of Dallas sent an emergency alert Friday evening to let residents know about the statewide mask order and "to urge them to be safe and practice social distancing this Independence Day."
Thursday, Gov. Abbot issued an executive order mandating masks be worn in counties with more than 20 cases of COVID-19, and banning gathering of more than 10 people unless permitted by county mayors.
Denton County reports single-day record
Denton County health officials reported 152 cases, breaking its record for cases reported in a single day.
The new cases brings the countywide totals to 3,184 cases and 1,209 recoveries. Thirty-seven residents have died since tracking began in March.
“Although the holiday weekend is upon us, we ask you to limit contact with individuals outside your household, wear a mask, and stay physically distant," said Dr. Matt Richardson, director of DCPH.
Collin County reports 122 new cases, 1 death
Collin County health officials reported 122 new cases and one death Friday afternoon.
Officials said a 71-year-old Plano man died at a local hospital. He had underlying health conditions.
There have now been 3,321 confirmed cases, including 46 deaths and 2,583 recoveries.
Ellis Davis Field House testing site closed Saturday
The City of Dallas said the community-based testing site at the University of Dallas will be open Saturday from 8 a.m to 5 p.m.
However, the drive thru site at Ellis Davis Field House will be closed. Testing will resume at the drive thru site Monday at 8 a.m.
Some counties say they don't plan to enforce Gov. Abbott's latest executive order
A statewide mask mandate issued by Gov. Greg Abbott went into effect at 12:01 p.m. Friday.
“One of the best ways to keep businesses open while also slowing the spread is for everyone to wear a face-covering when they go out," Abbott said via YouTube. "Medical studies have shown that wearing a face-covering slows the spread of COVID-19, and it protects you and your family."
However, not all local officials plan on enforcing rules under the governor's latest executive order. Friday morning, Denton County officials confirmed to WFAA that they will not be enforcing the statewide mask mandate.
In the same order requiring masks, Abbott also prohibited outdoor gatherings of 10 or more people unless it is specifically permitted by a mayor or county judge.
And Thursday evening, Judge Chris Hill tweeted a proclamation saying that all gatherings of 10 or more will be allowed outdoors in Collin County.
Rockwall Mayor Jim Pruitt issued a declaration that gatherings more than 10 people will be allowed in certain areas of the city. This includes Harry Myers Park, outside public areas in downtown Rockwall and the July 4 parade route.
Another local leader who said he will allow large outside gatherings is Cleburne Mayor Scott Cain. Thursday evening on Facebook, Cain said he issued a standing order that all outdoor gatherings of 10 to 100 in Cleburne are approved.
The governor's order does not apply to grocery stores and essential businesses, which are allowed to have 10 or more people inside.
However, under the governor's order, individuals are not allowed to rent a building, home, or venue to have a gathering with 10 or more people unless a mayor or county judge permits it.
Many of the usual July Fourth festivals and parades have already been canceled or altered to allow for more space. In Garland, officials shutdown Windsurf Bay Park for the weekend.
In Dallas County, health officials say holiday weekends during the pandemic have the "potential for catastrophe." The county reported a new record 708 positive COVID cases Thursday and said they expect to report more than 1,000 Friday.
“All increase we’ve seen over last week and a half or so have been really we think general increase tied to what was going on Memorial Day and after. All the relaxation, all the things opening up people not being as safe,” said Dr. Philip Huang, Dallas County Health Director.
DART passengers required to wear face coverings
Effective 12 p.m. Friday, Dallas Area Rapid Transit passengers will be required to wear a face-covering while on vehicles or properties, officials say.
The face masks must cover the nose and mouth and will be required when riding DART buses, trains and paratransit vehicles, Trinity Railway Express trains, at DART stations, on platforms, in buildings, and onboard the Dallas Streetcar, according to a news release.
Officials say they have placed informational posters reminding riders to wear face coverings and to social distance. The requirement remains in place for all DART properties until further notice.
More DART updates can be found here.
WFAA reporter Chris Sadeghi contributed to this story.
More on WFAA:
- Gov. Greg Abbott issues statewide order requiring face masks in counties with 20 or more COVID-19 cases
- Dallas ISD teachers getting anxious as plans to resume schooling in 45 days still not released
- What some North Texans think about masks becoming mandatory
- Here's which July 4 events in D-FW are canceled, online or still happening
- Here are the Texas beaches that will be closed or restricted for the Fourth of July weekend