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The Texas Department of State Health Services says the state has now surpassed 20,000 confirmed deaths from the novel coronavirus Thursday.
The department reported an additional 230 deaths, the most since the end of August. This brings the state total to 20,113 deaths since tracking began in March.
Officials also reported a record high of 12,293 cases, bringing the state total to 1,063,883 confirmed cases.
In Dallas County, health officials reported a record-high of COVID-19 cases for the second time this week.
Officials reported 1,860 cases, of which 56 are considered probable cases. This brings the countywide total to 113,764 cases since tracking began in March.
Officials also reported that two more people had died from the virus. The deaths included an Irving woman in her 40s and a Grand Prairie woman in her 80s. Both had underlying high-risk health conditions, officials said.
At least 1,164 people have died from COVID-19 in the county.
With the upcoming holidays, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins and health experts are recommending that residents avoid large gatherings with friends and family to help stop the spread.
“With the rise in cases and hospitalizations across our North Texas region, we must all do our part to stop the spread of this virus by wearing our masks, avoiding crowds, keeping at least six feet of distance and washing our hands regularly. We know what to do, we just need to do it, and we must do it now,” Jenkins said.
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Woman in her 30s among latest Tarrant County deaths
Tarrant County reported 1,777 new cases of COVID-19 and seven deaths Thursday. An Arlington woman in her 30s is among the latest victims to die.
The other victims range from being in their 50s to 70s. Officials said all but one of the seven patients had underlying health conditions.
Hospitalizations slightly improved as 764 patients were reported Thursday compared to 794 the day before.
One week ago, there were 699 patients in area hospitals.
Two days ago, Tarrant County’s public health director Vinny Taneja told county commissioners that 92 percent of the county’s ICU beds were full, as COVID-19 cases climb to record levels.
“It's emotionally taxing,” said Dr. Steven Davis of the coronavirus pandemic. “And I think one of the tough parts is we don't know when the end is in sight.”
As Thanksgiving approaches, local health officials have continued to advise residents to avoid large gatherings as cases have continued to spike through North Texas.
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control released new guidance on Thursday on traveling.
The agency said that traveling could increase someone's chances of getting or spreading COVID-19. Officials urged that its guidance is strongly recommended, but not enforced.
Denton County reports 336 cases
Denton County Public Health announced a new record high for cases Thursday afternoon.
Health officials reported 336 confirmed cases of COVID-19, of which 256 are currently active. This increases the countywide total to 20,739 confirmed cases, including 16,324 recoveries since tracking began in March.
DCPH is hosting a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing center on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 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.
TDJC Employees dies from COVID-19
A Texas Department of Criminal Justice employee has died from COVID-19, officials say.
Barry Deckard passed away Sunday, Nov. 15. He worked in the developmental disabilities program at the Hodge Unit since October 2004.
His coworkers said he was known for bringing everyone together for an annual fall feast and was well liked.
“He loved nothing more than his family, fishing and the great outdoors. He will always be known for his big smile, hearty handshake, and above all else, his willingness to help others. His kindness, loyalty and dependability will be sorely missed,” said a spokesperson with TDCJ.
Deckard is survived by his wife and three daughters.
According to TDCJ, 23 employees have died from COVID-19.
MedStar releases statistics of suspected COVID-19 patients
MedStar released statistics Thursday that shows the number of patients treated by crews that were suspected of having coronavirus.
In a news release, MedStar said the number of patients possibly experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms increased by 158% between Oct. 1 and Nov. 18.
"Heads up North Texas! Please take this seriously, we are experiencing record numbers of these types of patients," MedStar officials said in a written statement.
Gov. Abbott provides an update in Lubbock
Gov. Greg Abbott held a news conference Thursday afternoon in Lubbock to provide an update on the distribution of Bamlanivimab.
It was the first time in weeks that Abbott held a news conference to provide an update on the fight against COVID-19.
The conference took place at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where local officials were in attendance.