Confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to increase throughout North Texas, particularly in Dallas and Tarrant Counties.
Health officials in both counties said they expect to see cases and deaths continue to climb in the coming weeks.
A sixth person has died in Collin County and Denton County officials announced Thursday that an eighth person and a ninth person had died.
On Thursday, Dallas County health officials reported 108 more people have tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total case count to 1,432.
County health officials also confirmed two additional people have died from the novel coronavirus. The first patient was a man in his 80s, who was a resident at the Edgemere living facility and had been in hospice care.
The second patient was a DeSoto resident in his 70s who had been hospitalized. So far, a total of 22 people have died in the county.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins released the following statement Thursday afternoon:
“COVID-19 is imposing on us in so many painful ways but it will not break the spirit of North Texas! For instance, this year’s Passover is different but no less special. The story of Passover is one of families safe in their homes as the Angel bringing death passes over them. I find comfort in this story and in my gratitude to all who are sacrificing to keep us safe.”
Top updates for Thursday, April 9:
- A new round of weekly jobless claims is out Thursday morning, revealing 6.6 million more Americans have filed for unemployment last week. The new numbers mean roughly one in 10 workers have lost their jobs in just the past three weeks.
- In Collin County, health officials said Thursday there are currently 235 confirmed positive cases of coronavirus. Collin County Health Care Services also said that a sixth person who had COVID-19 in the county had died. Officials said the 53-year-old Dallas man had underlying medical conditions before testing positive for COVID-19.
- a sixth person who tested positive for coronavirus has died, officials said Thursday. Officials said the 53-year-old man, who was originally from Dallas, had underlying medical conditions before he tested positive.
- Denton County Public Health officials announced the county's eighth and ninth deaths from the novel coronavirus and 28 additional positive cases.
- Four additional cases were reported in Rockwall County Thursday, which included two children under the age of 10.
- Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins announced the federally-funded drive-thru testing sites will continue through May 30. Those sites are at the American Airlines Center and Ellis Davis Field House.
- Health officials say the peak of coronavirus cases is likely still weeks away. Dallas County Health Director Philip Huang said Wednesday afternoon that he expects the peak in cases to occur in late April or early May.
Ferris doctor tests positive for COVID-19
Ferris city officials confirmed Thursday night a doctors of osteopathic medicine has tested positive for COVID-19.
John Arkusinski, of Ferris Family Medicine, saw a patient for flu-like symptoms on March 23, city officials said. All patients exhibiting flu-like symptoms were wearing masks, and all patients were waiting in their cars before they could be seen, city officials said. On March 31, that patient confirmed they tested positive for COVID-19 and alerted the doctors at Ferris Family Medicine. After the confirmed positive, the staff at the doctor's office sanitized the facility and then all got tested for COVID-19.
Arkusinski tested positive on April 2. All other staff tested negative. Arkusinski is at home in self-isolation and "is doing well," according to city officials. All patients who were seen at the facility have been notified.
Dallas Mayor, city officials address park closures for Easter weekend
For the first time in the city's history, Dallas officials have made the decision to close all 397 parks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
City parks and golf courses will close at 9 p.m. Friday and will reopen at 7 a.m. Monday. Trails will remain open, officials say.
Dallas officials made the announcement Wednesday night. On Thursday morning, Mayor Eric Johnson and Park and Recreation Director John Jenkins explained their reasoning behind the decision.
Johnson said they gave some thought to leaving the parks open and trusting people would distancing guidelines. However, they ultimately decided they would be putting the public, city staff, and first responders in harm’s way.
Barricades and digital signage will be placed at the parks to keep people out of the area. In addition, code compliance, park rangers, and other enforcement staff will be patrolling parks to make sure residents don't try to enter during the holiday weekend, Jenkins said during the news conference.
Mayor Johnson encouraged residents to celebrate at home and stay safe during the holiday weekend.
"It’s important that we don’t lose sight of what’s important right now. Our health, and our safety. So this weekend, celebrate at home and stay safe. We are making progress against COVID-19. You’re doing right by your city by staying home," Johnson said.
Tarrant County reports 20th coronavirus-related death
On Thursday, Tarrant County health officials confirmed another person died from COVID-19.
The 20th person to die in the county is a Fort Worth woman in her 60s who had underlying health conditions, officials say.
Earlier this week, Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja expressed concerns that the county could soon see a spike in cases.
In a written statement Thursday, he reminded residents to only leave home for essential activities and to practice social distancing.
“The best way to fight this illness, for now, is to stay at home and not catch it in the first place," he said.
Dallas hospital capacity numbers released
A total of 24 hospitals reported ventilator and bed capacity numbers Wednesday to Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson's office.
The daily numbers are required under new emergency regulations Johnson announced last week during a news conference.
Johnson says the data is meant to inform residents about the medical community's capacity to handle an expected increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
Below is a list released by the mayor's office of the aggregated totals from 24 hospitals:
- Total beds: 5,354
- Beds occupied: 2,885
- Total ICU beds: 783
- ICU beds occupied: 486
- Total ventilators: 901
- Ventilators in use: 294
8th Dallas police officer tests positive
Officials confirm another Dallas police officer has tested positive for coronavirus. The command staff was notified Wednesday night of its eighth case within the department.
Police officials say the officer works in the property room at the Dallas Police Department Headquarters.
That officer has not been at work since March 24 and received results after being tested Saturday, according to police officials.
Officials say the officer will remain quarantined at home for 14 days or until cleared to return to duty by DPD’s medical team.
The area where the officer worked was sprayed and sanitized by a professional contractor on Tuesday, DPD officials say.
City of Red Oak to close parks for holiday weekend
Local officials have announced the closure of some parks and additional bans on gatherings ahead of the holiday weekend in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
On Thursday, City of Red Oak officials announced all parks will be closed from Friday through Sunday.
The closure includes all city parks, pavilions, walking trails, basketball courts, and restrooms, according to a news release.
Crews will place signs, caution tape, barriers, and have regular patrols to enforce the closures in the community.
Red Oak joins Dallas, Fort Worth, Haltom City in similar measures for park closures during Easter weekend.
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:
- Coronavirus live updates: Dozens in South Korea test positive for second time
- Texas oil field workers now helping protect medical professionals in COVID-19 fight
- Holy Week, Easter and Passover services that can be streamed online
- Texas was doing a lot of things right heading into 2020. Here's where the economy could land after pandemic, energy collapse