Dallas County has reported a new record-high of 561 coronavirus cases, in addition to having doubled the number of residents in the hospital with COVID-19 during the month of June, according to Judge Clay Jenkins.
As of Friday, there are currently 571 patients in Dallas County hospitals because of the disease.
Saturday afternoon, Dallas County health officials also announced seven more deaths, in which the victims' ages ranged from their 40s to 90s.
"I am calling on the governor to enact a statewide or at least regional masking law, reinstitute 'Safer at Home' for a period of 30 days, and close certain indoor businesses where masks cannot be worn 100 percent of the time," Jenkins said.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Friday morning that requires bars to shut down. Restaurants must reduce indoor dining to 50% capacity beginning Monday.
During an interview with WFAA, Abbott was asked about the spike in cases and actions he took when reopening the state's economy.
"What we have seen in following the data, is that there are certain different types of locations that have led to the spread of the coronavirus. And hence, our order focusing on those locations – one is bars," he said.
The governor went on to say in hindsight he would have delayed the reopening of bars.
"Especially, now knowing how rapidly coronavirus could spread in the bar setting."
Under the governor's latest order, rafting and tubing outfitters must close. Abbott also says outdoor gatherings of 100 people or more must be approved by local governments.
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Tarrant County reports 337 new cases, 2 deaths
Tarrant County Public Health reported 377 new cases and two more COVID-19 related deaths Saturday.
The two deaths include a Haltom City man in his 30s and a Saginaw man in his 50s. Health officials say it’s unknown if either man had underlying health conditions.
Tarrant County now has confirmed 11,083 positive cases, including 224 deaths and 5,012 recoveries since tracking began in March.
Denton City Council passes ordinance requiring face coverings
Saturday afternoon, Denton County Public Health announced 49 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the countywide total to 2,630 cases, including 37 deaths since tracking began in March.
Friday evening, the Denton City Council passed an order that requires businesses to enforce mask use within five days.
Similar to Dallas and Tarrant counties, businesses within the City of Denton must post the new face-covering policy at or near all entrances.
The order is in effect until 11:59 p.m. Aug. 4, or until otherwise acted upon by the Council.
Beginning July 2, residents can report concerns regarding potential violations of the order online, or by calling and leaving a message at 940-349-8228.
Officials say violations may be enforced by Denton police officers, building enforcement officers, zoning compliance officers, or community improvement services officers.
Texas Republicans move forward with plans for an indoor convention in Houston
As the coronavirus pandemic engulfs Texas’ metropolitan areas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has left the door open for massive indoor gatherings. And organizers are moving forward with some big ones, including the Texas Republican party’s upcoming convention in Houston, per our partners at the Texas Tribune.
Harris County, where Houston is located, has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the state, but the Texas GOP plans to press forward with plans to hold an in-person convention from July 16-18 in the city’s George R. Brown Convention Center.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
More on WFAA:
- Dallas salon owner says Gov. Abbott's order to shut down bars is 'discriminatory'
- Colleyville mayor doubles down on not enforcing county mask order
- Despite pandemic, First Baptist Dallas expects crowd of several thousand for Vice President's appearance
- 'In hindsight': Gov. Abbott says he should've delayed the opening of bars