For the latest news on the pandemic, visit KERA's COVID-19 live updates page.
Saturday, Oct. 17
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins Says Voting Is Still Safe Despite Rising Case Numbers
Even though COVID-19 case numbers are climbing in Dallas County, officials say voting in-person is still safe.
At a press conference Friday, County Judge Clay Jenkins said this is the third election to be held while in the so-called "red" zone, the highest risk level on the county's color-coded chart.
"We prepared the entire time for us to be at our highest alert level during the election, and it's a good thing because here we are," he said.
Jenkins said each voting location is using disinfecting lights and sprays and cleaning between each voter to ensure a safe environment.
He also noted there have been no cases traced back to voting locations in Dallas County during the primaries, runoffs and so far with early voting.
Tarrant County Reports 720 New Cases, 4 More Deaths
Tarrant County is reporting four more COVID-19-related deaths today — a Southlake woman in her 90s, Fort Worth man in his 80s, Fort Worth man from in his 60s and Fort Worth man in his 50s. All had underlying health conditions. This brings the total number of deaths in the county related to the virus to 703.
There are 720 new COVID-19 cases in Tarrant County today, bringing the cumulative countywide total to 58,773.
647 New Cases & 3 More Deaths In Dallas County
There are 647 total new COVID-19 cases in Dallas County today. Of those cases 48 were antigen test results and are considered probable and six are from previous months. This brings the cumulative number of cases in the county to 89,433, including 1,082 deaths.
The county is also reporting three more deaths related to the virus, — a man in his 30s, a woman in her 40s and a man in his 70s. All had underlying high-risk health conditions.
123 New Cases In Denton County
Denton County is reporting 123 new COVID-19 cases today, 96 of those cases are active. This increases the cumulative, countywide total to 15,132 cases, including 117 deaths.
The county is provide free drive-through testing on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Westside Baptist Church in Lewisville. Any county resident who hasn't previously tested positive for COVID-19 can participate. Pre-register by calling 940-349-2585.
Colllin County Reports 111 New Cases
There are 111 New COVID-19 cases in Collin County today. This brings the cumulative number of confirmed cases in the county to 16,862, including 170 deaths.
Friday, Oct. 16
480 New Cases, 20 Deaths In Dallas County
There have now been 1,079 deaths in the county. The deaths include a person in their 20s, two people in their 40s, a person in their 50s, two people in their 60s, eight people in their 70s, five in their 80s, and a person in their 90s.
"We are unfortunately at a place where the numbers are moving against us and that movement is accelerating," Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said. "It's up to all of us to exercise personal responsibility."
Positive Cases Now More Than 58,000 In Tarrant County
Tarrant County reported 615 new cases today, bringing the total to 58,053. One death was also reported, a man from Arlington in his 70s. There have now been a total of 699 deaths.
One Death Reported in Denton County
The death was of a man in his 60s who lived in unincorporated southwest Denton County. There have been 117 deaths total in the county. Another 212 positive cases were reported, bringing that total to 15,009.
Collin County Reports 163 New Cases
There are 163 new cases in Collin County, bringing the countywide total to 16,751. There have been 169 deaths and 15,806 recoveries total in the county.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins Strongly Discourages Trick-Or-Treating Due To Pandemic
Trick-or-Treating in Dallas County is being strongly discouraged this year because of the pandemic.
At a press conference Friday, County Judge Clay Jenkins said it's just not safe to send kids door-to-door to collect candy.
"Y'know the kids will be excited, they're breathing heavy, they're sweating. They're all sticking their hands in the same bucket to get candy. It's just a recipe for a super spreader event."
Jenkins encouraged families to think of at-home Halloween activities like virtual costume contests or candy scavenger hunts.
El Paso To Begin New Restrictions As Cases Rise
New restrictions begin in El Paso today to try and stop a surge in newly reported COVID-19 cases.
Visitors won't be allowed at facilities that care for the elderly. Businesses considered non-essential have to cut back to 50% capacity.
El Paso's the first major county in Texas to scale back since Gov. Abbott loosened rules in September.
Gov. Abbott has dispatched extra medical personnel and personal protective equipment to the area as the state did for the Rio Grande Valley during the summer.
Thursday, Oct. 15
Dallas County Reports 589 New Cases
There are 589 additional cases in the county, 52 of which are probable cases. Of the 537 confirmed cases reported today, 324 came through the state’s electronic reporting system which has been experiencing a backlog.
With rising case numbers and hospitalizations, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said the county is “on the beginning of a second wave of COVID-19 cases if we do not modify our behavior”:
“It’s critical with the uptick and the increases that we’ve seen in our hospitals, including a doubling of COVID-19 cases in hospitals over the last month for our region, that we all make good choices to turn the tide and get our numbers going in a good direction again.
We are on the beginning of a second wave of COVID-19 cases if we do not modify behavior, and with talk of bars opening and increased capacity in other commercial buildings, there is a false sense of security. Given that our numbers are going in the wrong direction, we must turn things around now.”
The death of a Dallas man in his 70s was reported today. He was critically ill in a local hospital and had underlying high risk health conditions.
Tarrant County Reports 655 New Cases, 2 Deaths
There are 655 new cases in the area, bringing the total to 57,438. There have been two deaths reported today, including an Arlington man in his 90s and a Fort Worth woman in her 60s. Both patients had underlying health conditions.
143 New Cases In Denton County
Another 143 cases in the area raises the total to 14,797. There have been 97 newly-recovered cases, increasing the countywide recovery total to 12,448.
A free drive-thru testing center will be available on Friday, October 16 at University of North Texas’ Discovery Park at 3940 N. Elm St in Denton. Eligible community members are those who are residents of Denton County who pre-register and have not previously tested positive for COVID-19.
Pre-registration is required and appointments are available starting at 8 a.m. To pre-register, call DCPH at 940-349-2585.
Collin County Reports 100 Cases
An additional 100 cases in the area raises the total to 16,588. There have been
168 deaths and 142 people who have been hospitalized due to the virus.
Denton Polling Location Closes After Worker Tests Positive
A polling location in Denton County has closed after a worker tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, according to KTVT.
Those who may have been exposed to the worker are being contacted and asked to quarantine, Denton County Judge Andy Eads announced Thursday.
“As part of the standard contact tracing performed with each positive case by Denton County Public Health (DCPH), any individual who has had extended exposure will be notified and asked to quarantine,” Eads said in a statement.
County records show that 1,944 people have voted at this location since the start of early voting on Tuesday. The location will be sanitized Thursday and will reopen on Friday at 7 a.m. with new poll workers.
8 Texas School Systems Join Pilot Program For Rapid Testing
Eight school systems across Texas - including Grace Community School in Tyler - will take part in a new pilot program on coronavirus tests that produce results in 15 minutes or less.
John Wittman with the Governor's office said the tests are among millions being provided to Texas by the federal government.
The medical company producing them said the antigen tests require a nasal swab, cost $5 and are about the size of a credit card.
Health experts have said accessible, rapid testing could help Texas achieve substantive widespread COVID-19 testing.
Deadline To Request Mail-In Ballot In Over A Week For Texas Voters
Texas voters have just over a week to request a mail-in ballot for the November election.
The deadline is October 23 and the request must be received by then, not postmarked.
Voters who can cast an absentee ballot in Texas include those who are 65 or older, have a disability, or will be away from their home county during in-person voting.
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Dallas County Reports 504 New Cases, One Death
A recent spike in COVID-19 cases has led Dallas County to return to "red" on its color-coded chart that indicates risk levels for community spread of the virus. Returning to the "red" risk level, the highest level, means residents are advised against indoor dining and grooming services, among other things.
The risk level chart is non-binding. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins says the chart is meant to tell residents what's safe, not what's legal. But officials say the "red" level does not affect voting. Jenkins says voters should wear masks as they cast ballots and that the county has invested in disinfectants, plastic screens and other precautions.
The risk level chart can be viewed at the Dallas County COVID-19 portal.
Health officials say COVID-related hospitalizations in Dallas County are increasing. The seven-day case averages are up in the county. The previous daily average for the week ending Oct. 3 was 374, up from 346 the week before. The number of cases being reported in school-age children, ages 5 to 17, has also been on the rise. The 504 new cases include 11 cases from September, bringing the county total to 87,835. The death reported is of a woman in her 80s from Dallas.
Denton County Reports 182 New Cases
The county cumulative total is now 14,654 with the additional cases being reported. Denton County Public Health also reports 55 recoveries, bringing that number to 12,351 total recoveries.
Two Deaths Reported In Tarrant County
The deaths include a man from Arlington in his 60s and a man from Arlington in his 40s. Tarrant County now has 696 confirmed deaths and 47,446 people have recovered.
One Death Reported In Collin County
Collin County now has a total of 167 deaths. The county also reported 104 new positive cases, bringing that total to 16,488.
Texas Restaurant Association CEO Worries State Eateries Won’t Receive Stimulus Money
The head of the Texas Restaurant Association says eateries across the state should not get their hopes up for more stimulus money.
Emily Knight told public radio's Texas Standard the current coronavirus package being considered isn't clear about aid for small businesses and restaurants.
"It's very hard when you have a restaurant owner that's calling in tears that's been in business for 50 years and because we can't get Congress to agree between themselves and the White House...It feels incredibly unfair as we've been feeding Texans this entire crisis."
Knight said 15% of the 50,000 restaurants operating in Texas at the start of the pandemic have permanently closed.
Court Upholds Limit On Absentee Drop-Off Ballot Locations
Hours before early voting began, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans upheld Texas Governor Greg Abbott's order to allow only one absentee ballot drop-off location per county.
Lawsuits from civil rights groups called the order voter suppression and a federal judge previously sided with those groups.
But the appeals court Monday said Abbott's order does not restrict absentee voters.
Those casting absentee ballots now have 40 additional days to turn them in, by hand-delivery or by mail.
The legal back-and-forth over this issue did not affect Dallas and Tarrant counties. Both had established only one drop-off location.
Tuesday, Oct. 13
638 New Cases Reported In Dallas County
Of the 638 cases being reported by Dallas County, nine of them are older cases. This brings the total number of cases in the county to more than 87,000. One death was also reported, a man in his 50s from Dallas.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins noted that weekly numbers of positive cases are still going up and urges people to stay cautious.
"Unfortunately, we are currently going in the wrong direction but I know together we can turn it around and get to a better place for the fall," Jenkins said. "Also, today is the first day of early vote. I want to reiterate the great amount of effort that has gone into making sure the voting experience is safe."
Three Deaths Reported in Denton County
The total of deaths in Denton County is now 116. The deaths reported today include: A woman in her 80s who was a resident of Denton, a woman in her 70s who lived in unincorporated Denton County, and a man in his 80s who was a resident of Denton.
Denton County Public Health is providing a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing center on Friday at University of North Texas’ Discovery Park at 3940 N. Elm St in Denton.
Collin County Reports 102 New Cases
The 102 new cases brings the countywide total to 16,384 cases in Collin County. There have been 15,558 reported recoveries in the county.
Tarrant County Public Health Director Calls For Return To Virtual Learning After Cases Spike
The Tarrant County public health director is recommending that schools countywide switch to virtual learning following a recent spike in cases connected to schools.
Vinny Taneja addressed county commissioners Tuesday:
"It's been about four weeks since our dashboard turned red, and we had asked people to be cautious, to look at what the data is telling us, and now four weeks in almost all the indicators are turning red, so the data is becoming adverse for in-person learning," Taneja said. "What that means is, schools should be preparing and considering a switch to virtual learning."
Officials said there are more than 1,140 cases connected to schools across Tarrant County. Taneja said that's more than a 30% increase from the previous week.
Meanwhile, Tarrant reported 477 new cases on Tuesday, for a total of more than 56,000 countywide.
Dallas-Based Southwest Airlines Takes Aim At Competitors
Southwest Airlines is taking aim at competitors at big airports in Houston and Chicago.
The Dallas-based carrier yesterday said it will add flights to Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and O'Hare Airport in Chicago next year.
Doing so puts Southwest head-to-head against financially larger United and Fort Worth-based American.
But Southwest has a better balance sheet with less debt than its rivals. Also, less reliance on business travel hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Football Game Between Baylor And Oklahoma State Postponed
Next Saturday’s football game in Waco between Baylor and No. 7 Oklahoma State has been postponed.
Medical advisers recommended the postponement. Baylor paused football activities late last week following a COVID-19 outbreak within its program.
The Big 12 has rescheduled the Baylor-Oklahoma State game for December 12. That's the tentative date for the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium, but the league said it could move the championship game to December 19, if needed.
Monday, Oct. 12
Tarrant County Announces Bars Can Reopen At 50% Capacity
Tarrant County has announced that bars can re-open on Wednesday at 50% capacity.
Judge Glen Whitley on Monday said he made the decision after consulting local hospital leaders.
The announcement comes after Gov. Greg Abbott said that bars across Texas could re-open at 50% capacity this week pending approval from county judges.
Denton and Collin Counties both plan to re-open bars. Dallas County has no plans to re-open bars at this time.
Dallas County Reports 336 New Cases
There have been 336 additional cases, raising the total to 86,775. Of the cases reported today, 193 came through the state’s electronic reporting system that has been experiencing a backlog. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said the county is seeing “an uptick in cases and hospitalizations.” He urged residents to avoid traditional Halloween plans like trick-or-treating:
“We are seeing an uptick in cases and hospitalizations and the decisions that you make today will determine how we are doing ten days to two weeks from now. Let’s all wear our mask, maintain six-foot distance, and use good hand washing. Make your Halloween plans with your family and abstain from traditional trick-or-treating, parties, or trunk-or-treating.”
Four deaths reported today include:
- A Mesquite man in his 40s.
- A Dallas woman in her 60s who was a resident.
- A Garland man in his 80s.
- A Mesquite woman in her 90s.
Denton County Reports 151 New Cases
An additional 151 cases in the area raises the total to 14,347. There have also been 87 newly-recovered cases, increasing the countywide total to 12,235.
A free drive-thru center will be available on Tuesday, October 13 at Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church at 1641 W Hebron Parkway in Carrollton. Eligible community members are those who are residents of Denton County who pre-register and have not previously tested positive for COVID-19.
Pre-registration is required and appointments are available starting at 8 a.m. To pre-register, call DCPH at 940-349-2585.
318 New Cases In Tarrant County
There are 318 new cases in the area, bringing the total to 55,682. There have been 693 deaths and 46,897 people who have recovered from the virus in the area.
Collin County Reports 74 New Cases
Another 74 cases raises the total to 16,282. There have been 165 deaths and 15,455 people who have recovered from the virus in the area.
Texas Counties Temporarily Blocked From Offering Multiple Mail-In Ballot Drop-Off Locations
Texas counties are currently blocked from setting up multiple drop-off locations for absentee ballots heading into the Nov. 3 general election due to a temporary order from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. That order came hours after top Texas officials on Saturday again sought to limit drop-off locations some voters use during the coronavirus pandemic.
The federal appeals court's order sets up a likely last-minute legal battle over absentee voting in Texas as mail-in ballots are already being collected and early voting is set to begin Tuesday.
Attorney General Ken Paxton filed an emergency stay Saturday, seeking to halt a federal judge's ruling from Friday night that said Texas counties can have multiple absentee ballot drop-off locations. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman's ruling blocked Gov. Greg Abbott's recent order that sought to limit counties to just one such location.
Read the full story by The Texas Tribune.
Sunday, Oct. 11
Tarrant County Reports 794 Cases, 1 Death
Tarrant County Health Department is reporting 794 new cases -- the most cases the county has reported in almost two months. The total number of cases in the county is now 55,364.
A Fort Worth woman in her 70s was reported dead from COVID-19. The woman had underlying dealth conditions.
Dallas County Reports 433 Cases, 4 Deaths
Dallas County Health and Human Services is reporting 433 new cases, including 23 older cases.
An additional four deaths are also being reported. They are:
- A Garland man in his 50s who had been critically ill and had underlying health conditions
- A woman in her 70s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in Dallas.
- A man in his 90s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in Dallas.
- A woman in her 90s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in Dallas.
Collin County Reports 57 Cases
The Collin County Health Department is reporting 57 new cases making the countywide total 16,208.
Read More: A Timeline Of COVID-19's Spread In North Texas
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