This story from May 13. To read the latest updates from May 14, click here.
More than 10,000 cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in Dallas and Tarrant counties since tracking started in March.
Dallas County health officials reported Wednesday that 243 additional people have tested positive and five more residents have died.
"Although we lost five of our residents today, halfway through the week we are seeing a lower number of deaths than we saw last week which is a promising sign," Judge Clay Jenkins says.
The five latest victims were at local hospitals before dying from complications related to COVID-19, officials say.
Those patients include a Dallas woman in her 60s, a Dallas man in his 60s, a Mesquite woman in her 70s, and a Dallas man in his 70s.
A resident at a long-term care facility in Mesquite also died. She was in her 70s, according to officials.
This brings the countywide total to 6,602 cases and 153 deaths.
In Tarrant County, health officials reported five more deaths Wednesday afternoon. The patients include a man in his 80s, a man in his 70s and a man in his 50s from Fort Worth, a woman in her 80s from Keller and a man in his 50s from Arlington.
All of the victims had underlying health conditions, according to officials.
There were also 266 new cases confirmed in the county. According to Tarrant County Public health website, 153 of those cases are at a federal prison.
This brings the countywide total to 4,076 cases and 114 deaths.
Top updates for Wednesday, May 13:
- Officials in Wuhan will test all 11 million residents after a handful of new infections were confirmed.
- The federal agencies encourage anyone who still hasn't received their stimulus payment to sign-up for direct deposit using the Get My Payment tool by 12 p.m. ET Wednesday.
- Gov. Greg Abbott will decide in the next month on whether to allow children to return to school in the fall.
For a daily roundup of the biggest coronavirus news from around North Texas, sign up for the WFAA COVID-19 email newsletter.
Collin County announces 15 new cases, 1 death
Collin County health officials announced 15 new cases and one death Wednesday afternoon.
Officials said a 71-year-old Plano man with serious underlying health condition died from COVID-19. This brings the county's overall total to 978 and 30 deaths.
Officials also announced that 668 residents have recovered from the virus and 20 are currently hospitalized.
In-home tests coming for Dallas residents who lack transportation
Dallas residents who lack transportation or have mobility issues will now have better access to COVID-19 tests after the Dallas City Council unanimously approved a one-year service agreement Wednesday for in-home testing in the most needed ZIP codes.
The city’s two community-based sites have seen many residents, including those from other counties, but city leaders want to help Dallas residents who can’t get to the drive-through testing sites due to transportation issues. Mayor Eric Johnson announced Wednesday that the drive-thru sites will be extended through June 30.
Texas National Guard will help disinfect nursing facilities
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that the Texas National Guard has been activated to help with the disinfecting efforts of nursing facilities across the state.
The governor says six teams have already been sent across Texas to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"We take our charge of protecting all Texans, especially our most vulnerable populations, extremely seriously," Maj. Gen. Tracy Norris said.
According to a news release, each team is equipped with supplies such as advanced personal protective equipment, ionized sprayers, and vital oxide.
The teams have also gone through special training to assist with the disinfection efforts.
"The training these Guardsmen have received will equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to provide this crucial assistance to these facilities," Abbott said.
Two children in Ellis County test positive
Five residents of Ellis County have tested positive for COVID-19, including two children, officials say.
Ellis County health officials announced the new cases Wednesday morning. They also confirmed a sixth patient who is presumptive positive and five new recoveries.
Officials say the six new cases include an infant less than a year old, a 2-year-old boy, and a 51-year-old male (probable) of the same residence in Red Oak.
The other patients include a 54-year-old man of Red Oak, and a 47-year-old man and 85-year-old man of Waxahachie.
This brings the countywide total of cases to 244.
Dallas ISD students to protest virtual graduation decision
Typically mid-May would be a time for graduation ceremonies and celebrations among friends and family members,
But due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, several schools across the country have decided to host virtual graduation ceremonies instead.
This includes the Dallas Independent School District, and many students and parents are not happy about the decision.
Students plan on protesting at 12 p.m. Wednesday at the district's headquarters.
They’re demanding in-person graduations because, as of right now, graduations will be held virtually, starting May 22.
Dallas ISD cited safety concerns for the decision.
Daily hospital capacity numbers
The city of Dallas released the following numbers as reported Tuesday by 25 hospitals:
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:
- Drive-up concert series planned outside Globe Life Field with Pat Green, Whiskey Myers and others
- Dallas-based manufacturer Big Game Football pivots to making masks
- As school districts plan to open for the fall semester, the question isn't when, but how
- D-FW coronavirus survivors now plasma donors helping new patients recover
- Governor to decide in the next month on whether to allow kids to return to class
- Right on the Money: Dallas-based accounting firm CEO offers advice on PPP loans