Updated at 6:15 p.m. to include the latest report of cases in the state.
Texas hit a new record for cases reported in a day on Wednesday -- doubling the number of positive cases reported just less than two weeks ago.
There were 8,076 new cases of COVID-19 reported Wednesday, according to state health data.
Eleven days ago, Texas surpassed more than 4,000 cases for the first time on June 20 with 4,430 cases.
And two weeks ago, the state passed the 3,000 case mark for the first time with 3,129 positive cases reported on June 17.
State health officials reported 57 deaths Wednesday. That comes close to the highest number of deaths in a single day, when 58 deaths were reported May 14.
Statewide hospitalizations related to COVID-19 have doubled in the last 10 days, from 3,409 on June 21 to 6,904 reported Wednesday.
In the North Texas hospital region, there are 455 available ICU beds, 3,184 available hospital beds and 1,330 available ventilators as of Wednesday.
Top updates for Wednesday, July 1:
- Dallas arts and culture community loses more than $33 million in the first 2 and a half months of coronavirus closures, a coalition of arts advocacy groups said Wednesday.
Several outlying counties, including Parker and Johnson, are seeing a larger percentage increase than Dallas and Tarrant counties.
Despite Texas’ surge of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Tuesday evening that he doesn’t need the advice of the nation’s top infectious disease doctor, Anthony Fauci.
DFW Airport, Dallas Love Field announce face masks requirement
Travelers passing through two of North Texas' largest airports will now be required to wear face masks.
DFW Airport is requiring face masks for all passengers and employees starting Thursday.
At Dallas Love Field, all people over the age of 10 are required to wear a mask.
At DFW Airport, all persons over 2 years old must wear a face-covering in all facilities, including retail car facilities, parking facilities and transportation, including airport vehicles, SkyLink and Terminal Link, the airport said.
The requirement aligns with the mandates announced by Dallas and Tarrant counties.
“The safety and well-being of customers, employees and partners is our top priority at DFW Airport,” said Sean Donohue, DFW Airport CEO, in a statement, in part.
Face coverings can be removed when eating or drinking, or when asked to verify identity by Transportation Security Administration officers, Custom and Border Protection officers, other officers and airline staff.
Tarrant County hits record daily high with 606 new cases
Health officials reported 606 new cases Wednesday, reaching an all-time high for cases reported in a day. The previous record was reported Tuesday with 605 cases.
There have been 12,950 cases in the county since tracking began in March. There have been 5,323 recoveries.
Three additional deaths were reported, bringing the total deaths to 231. The deaths were a Mansfield man in his 60s, a Fort Worth woman in her 50s and a Fort Worth woman in her 60s. All had underlying health conditions.
Hospitalizations reduced from 474 on Tuesday to 472 on Wednesday.
Dallas County reports 544 cases, seven deaths
Dallas County health officials reported 544 positive cases and seven additional deaths Wednesday.
The deaths include a Dallas woman in her 20s and a man in his 50s. Both of them did not have underlying health conditions.
Other deaths included a Dallas woman in her 40s, a Dallas woman in her 60s, a DeSoto man in his 60s, a Seagoville man in his 70s and a Dallas woman in her 80s. All had underlying health conditions.
106 new cases reported in Denton County
Denton County health officials announced 106 new positive cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, bringing the county total to 2,951 cases since tracking began in March.
There have been 37 deaths in the county.
Galveston beaches closed for July 4 weekend
Beaches in Galveston will be closed for the weekend of the Fourth of July.
Access to Galveston beaches will be closed and parking along Seawall Boulevard will not be allowed. Exercising will be the only allowed activity on the seawall, KHOU reported.
The closure begins at 5 a.m. Friday and will be lifted July 6 at 12:01 a.m.
The mayor of Galveston signed an executive order.
“At this time, based on the current health situation and the guidance of medical professionals, I do not feel it is prudent or responsible to have thousands of visitors descending on Galveston beaches,” Mayor Jim Yarbrough said. “Galveston has and always will be a welcoming destination, but the ongoing public health crisis demands our attention and response. We have to prioritize health and safety.”
Gainesville reports first death related to COVID-19
The City of Gainesville reported its first death Tuesday.
The victim was a man in his 30s who had underlying health issues, officials said.
