Dallas County health officials confirm 75 more people have tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total case count to 2,909.
"Today is the last day of the week and each day this week had a lower number of positive cases than the average daily the week before," County Judge Clay Jenkins said.
Four additional deaths were also reported Saturday afternoon, bringing the death toll to 81. The victims include:
- A man in his 60s who lived in Garland and was hospitalized.
- A man in his 70s who lived in Carrollton and was hospitalized.
- Two of the patients lived at long-term care facilities in Dallas and had also been hospitalized; a man in his 80s and a woman in her 90s.
Throughout the week, case numbers in Dallas County remained lower than last week's daily average.
However, on Friday, Tarrant County reported its highest single-day total of cases at 147.
Non-essential businesses in Texas are heading into their first weekend under an executive order that allows curbside pickup or delivery.
On Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott plans on announcing his next steps in opening the state's economy.
During a news conference earlier this month, Abbott emphasized these would be gradual steps and not everything would open at once.
Top updates for Saturday, April 25:
- Colleyville businesses were among the first in Texas to partially reopen Friday, the same day Tarrant County reported its highest single total of positive cases.
- New guidelines for usage of the Katy Trail continue this weekend. Residents with last names beginning with letters A to L can access the trail Thursdays and Saturdays. Residents with last names beginning with M through Z can access the trail Fridays and Sundays.
Denton County reports 22 new cases, 1 death
Denton County health officials confirmed a woman in her 80s died from COVID-19. She was also a resident at the Denton Rehabilitation Center.
Officials also announced 22 new laboratory-confirmed cases and nine recoveries.
There have been a total of 702 cases of COVID-19 and 20 deaths in the county.
Tarrant County reports 130 new cases, 4 more deaths
Four more residents in Tarrant County have died from COVID-19, health officials announced Saturday.
The victims include a man in his 60s and woman in her 70s from Fort Worth, a man in his 40s from Azle and a woman in her 90s from Grapevine.
The county also reported 130 new cases, bringing its total to 1836.
So far, 52 people have died from the novel coronavirus and 283 people have recovered.
15 additional Collin County residents test positive
Fifteen more people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Collin County, health officials reported Saturday afternoon. This brings the total case count to 654.
So far, 455 residents have recovered from the virus and 16 have died.
Dallas police officer recovers from coronavirus
An officer with the Dallas Police Department returned to work Saturday morning after battling COVID-19 and pneumonia.
During his time being sick, Kevin Thomas lost 20 lbs and spent 10 days at the hospital, including several of those days in the ICU.
Thomas says he was at work when he started feeling sick and went home. He then developed a fever and wasn’t doing well, so he went to the hospital.
"I’d say to take it seriously. Wear your mask. Wear your gloves. Six feet distancing, it’s no joke. I didn’t take it seriously at first, so take it seriously. That is my advice," he said.
Saturday morning his family released balloons at the start of his shift and prayed with him.
Business owner continues to operate Dallas salon
A Dallas hair salon owner was issued a citation Friday after reopening her business, violating local and state executive orders to stay at home.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins also sent a cease and desist letter, telling Shelley Luther that she had to close Salon A la Mode.
She says she plans to remain open, despite the citation and being ordered to close.
Saturday morning, Luther continued to operate her salon as usual. Customers and hairstylists are required to get their temperature checked and wear masks.
Luther also plans on speaking at 3 p.m. at a rally in Frisco.
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:
- Country star’s widow, daughter open up about separation anxiety with seniors in long-term care
- Families say they were unaware of COVID-19 outbreak inside Burleson nursing home
- Restaurant goers seen gathering in groups as Colleyville becomes among first to open patios for business
- Dallas salon owner ordered to close after reopening against stay-at-home orders
- Struggling to plan date nights? Here are ways to connect with your partner while stuck at home
