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COVID-19 In DFW Jan. 3-Jan.9: Vaccinations Starting To Roll Out In North Texas

A medical worker administers the coronavirus vaccine.
Paul Sancya
/
Associated Press
In this Jan. 5, 2021, file photo, healthcare worker receives a second Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine shot at Beaumont Health in Southfield, Mich. With frustration rising over the slow rollout of the vaccine, state leaders and other politicians are turning up the pressure, improvising and seeking to bend the rules to get shots in arms more quickly.

Hospitalizations and case numbers are also hitting daily records in the DFW area.

For the latest on the pandemic in North Texas, visit KERA News' COVID-19 Live Updates page.

Saturday, Jan. 9

Dallas County Reports Record 3,194 New Cases In One Day

Of the 3,194 new cases reported in the county today 2,293 are confirmed. This brings the cumulative case count to 190,580; including 1,766 deaths.

“Today we break 3,000 new COVID cases for the first time. This is 350 cases more than we’ve ever seen on a single day before," Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a statement. "This closes this week as our second deadliest week for COVID as we announce 10 more deaths today. Our positivity rate is also at a new all-time high at 31%."

Of the 10 additional deaths reported today, all had underlying health conditions and six individuals lived in Dallas: A man in his 60s, two men and a woman in their 70s, a man in his 80s and a woman in her 90s. Two men from Cedar Hill were also included in today's death toll, one in his 60s and one in his 80s, as well as two women in their 80s, one from Carrollton and one from Mesquite.

Over 3,000 New Cases In Tarrant County

Tarrant County's COVID-19 dashboard is showing 3,110 new cases today. There have been a cumulative total of 173,804 cases in the county, including 1,711 deaths.

Nearly 400 New Cases & 5 More Deaths In Denton County

There are 399 new cases of COVID-19 in Denton County, of which 391 are active cases. This increases the cumulative, countywide total to 43,107 cases, including 233 deaths.

The deaths reported today are described as:

  • Two men from Flower Mound, one in his 70s and one in his 80s.
  • Three residents of Vista Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lewisville: a man in his 60s, and a man and woman in their 80s.

The county will offer free, drive-through COVID-19 testing Tuesday, at University of North Texas’ Discovery Park at 3940 N. Elm St in Denton. Any county resident who hasn't previously tested positive is eligible to participate. Pre-register by calling 940-349-2585

Friday, Jan. 8

Dallas County Reports Record High Hospitalizations For The Fifth Day In A Row

The county reported 2,387 new cases and 21 deaths on Friday. The deaths include:

  • A woman in her 20s from Dallas.
  • Two women in their 40s from Dallas.
  • A woman in her 50s from Dallas.
  • A woman in her 50s from Mesquite.
  • Two men in their 50s from Dallas.
  • A man in his 60s from Garland.
  • A woman in her 60s from Dallas.
  • A man in his 60s from Dallas.
  • A man in his 70s from Duncanville.
  • Two men in their 70s from Dallas.
  • A woman in her 70s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in Dallas.
  • A man in his 70s from Garland.
  • Two men in their 80s from Dallas.
  • A man in his 80s from Richardson.
  • A woman in her 80s from Dallas.
  • A woman in her 80s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in Carrollton.
  • A woman in her 90s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in Dallas.

There were 1,206 COVID-19 patients in acute care in Dallas County through the end of Thursday. The number of emergency room visits for COVID-19 like symptoms in Dallas County was 608 for the same time period, which represents around 23 percent of all emergency department visits in the county according to information reported to the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council. This is the fifth day in a row with record high numbers.

Tarrant County Reports 2,998 New Cases, Updates Countywide Death Total to 1,703

Tarrant County Public Health reported an additional 127 deaths of county residents on Friday, after reconciling its data with data from the Department of State Health Services. This brings the countywide total to 1,703.

The county has a total of 170,730 cases.

Denton County Reports 613 New Cases

Of the 613 new cases in the county, 570 are active cases. This increases the cumulative countywide total to 42,708 cases. Denton County Public Health also reported 419 newly recovered cases of COVID-19, increasing the countywide recovery total to 28,944.

Dallas Stars Players, Staff Test Positive For COVID-19

The National Hockey League announced Friday that six Dallas Stars players and two staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Those individuals are self-isolating and the team’s training facilities will be closed immediately while additional testing and contact tracing is being done.

The Stars’ regular season schedule will be updated — the team is not expected to open its 2020-21 season earlier than Tuesday, Jan. 19.

Dallas County To Open Three New Vaccination Sites

Dallas County is launching three COVID-19 vaccination sites on Monday at Fair Park, Ellis Davis Field House, and Eastfield College, all located in areas with less access to the private health care system.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said they’re now calling patients age 65 and older, or people with chronic medical conditions to make appointments. Those folks are in what’s called Phase 1-B.

“So we are calling 1Bs now,” he said. “You sign under the website and then you don’t call to make your own appointment, we contact you back when it’s time for you to make an appointment.”

The county is planning on the state sending it 2,000 doses of the vaccine daily, starting Monday morning.

“When these sites open up on Monday, there will be a lot of 1Bs there getting their shot. What people need to do is go to dallascounty.org and sign up.”

People who don’t have proof of an appointment will be turned away by police.

American Airlines Brings Back Over 17,000 Employees After Stimulus Approval

American Airlines has brought more than 17,000 employees back from furloughs, following Congressional approval of $15 billion dollars in stimulus for airlines.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports the Fort Worth-based carrier should receive about $3.5 billion in aid, which includes back pay for furloughed employees from Dec. 1.

The stimulus money is contingent on airlines keeping employees on the payroll through March, even though there isn't enough travel demand for many to return to their work duties.

Thursday, Jan. 7

Dallas County Reports 2,590 New Cases

There are 2,590 additional cases in the area, raising the total to 186,181. Of the cases reported today, 2,207 are confirmed cases and 383 are probable.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said January and February are projected to be the county’s worst months in terms of positive cases and deaths. He urged people to continue taking precautions:

“January and February are modeled to be our worst months for COVID positive cases and deaths assuming that the population continues to make good choices and avoid crowds throughout that time and in the following months. If we’ll do that, we’ll begin to see the benefits of the people who have been vaccinated thus far, both in the capacity of our healthcare heroes to be at work and not be sick with COVID and with our most at risk residents being protected from COVID.”

Nineteen deaths were reported today include:

  • A Dallas man in his 30s.
  • A Mesquite woman in her 40s.
  • A Dallas man in his 40s.
  • A Dallas man in his 50s.
  • A Dallas woman in her 50s.
  • A Garland man in his 60s.
  • A Dallas woman in her 60s.
  • A Mesquite man in his 60s.
  • A Balch Springs man in his 60s.
  • A Mesquite man in his 60s.
  • A Dallas woman in her 60s.
  • A Seagoville woman in her 70s.
  • A Mesquite man in his 70s.
  • A Dallas man in his 70s.
  • A Desoto woman in her 70s.
  • A Farmers Branch man in his 70s.
  • A Dallas man in his 80s.
  • A Mesquite man in his 80s.
  • Two Dallas women in their 80s.

Over 3,000 New Cases & 15 Deaths In Tarrant County

There are 3,410 new cases in Tarrant County today, and officials reported 15 additional deaths.

The county now has 167,723 cumulative cases and 1,576 confirmed deaths; 118,936 people have recovered.

The deaths reported today are described as:

  • From Fort Worth: a woman in her 90s, three men in their 70s and three men from Fort Worth in their 60s, 40s and 30s respectfully.
  • From North Richland Hills: a man in his 90s, and a woman in her 80s.
  • A Bedford woman in her 80s.
  • A Crowley woman in her 70s.
  • A Euless man in his 70s.
  • A Keller man from Keller in his 60s.
  • From Arlington: a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 70s.

4 Deaths, 690 New Cases In Denton County

Another four deaths were reported in the area, bringing the total deaths to 228: a Lewisville man in his 70s, a Lewisville man in his 40s, a Corinth man over 80 and a man over 80 who was a resident of Carriage House of Denton.

The county also reported 690 new cases in the area, bringing the total to 42,095.

Collin County Reports 637 New Cases

An additional 637 cases in the county brings the total to 48,488. There have been 397 deaths and 42,829 people who have recovered from the virus in the area.

Texas Identifies Case Of COVID-19 UK Variant In Harris County

Health officials have identified the first known Texas case of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant in Harris County. The case is being investigated by Harris County Public Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The patient is a man who has no travel history and was recently diagnosed. Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner, said the patient’s lack of travel history suggests the variant is already circulating in Texas.

“Genetic variations are the norm among viruses, and it’s not surprising that it arrived here given how rapidly it spreads,” he said. “This should make us all redouble our commitment to the infection prevention practices that we know work: masks any time you’re around people you don’t live with, social distancing, and personal and environmental hygiene.”

The B.1.1.7 variant was first identified in the United Kingdom in the fall and appears to spread more easily. Scientific evidence suggests that the variant does not cause more severe disease and that vaccines are expected to be effective against it.

Dallas County’s First ‘Mega’ Public COVID Vaccination Site Will Be At Fair Park

Dallas County is set to launch its first ‘mega’ public COVID-19 vaccination site at Fair Park next week where thousands of people a day can be inoculated against the deadly virus fueling the pandemic, officials said Thursday.

The sprawling fairgrounds were selected after county officials reviewed multiple locations in southern Dallas, including the University of North Texas Dallas and Forester Athletic Complex, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Read the full story here.

Wednesday, Jan. 6

Dallas County Reports 2,427 Cases And 17 Deaths

The county now has a total of 183,974 cases and 1,175 deaths. There are also a record high number for hospitalizations, with 1,145 COVID-19 patients in acute care in Dallas County as of the end of Tuesday.

The 17 deaths include:

  • A man in his 50s from Dallas.
  • Two men in their 60s from Dallas.
  • Two women in their 60s from Dallas.
  • A woman in her 60s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in Cedar Hill.
  • A woman in her 70s from Dallas.
  • A woman in her 70s from Garland.
  • Two men in their 70s from Dallas.
  • A man in his 80s from Dallas.
  • A man in his 80s from Grand Prairie.
  • Two women in their 80s who were residents of long-term care facilities in Dallas.
  • Three women in their 90s who were residents of long-term care facilities in Dallas.

Tarrant County Reports 3,410 New Cases, 12 Deaths

The deaths include a man from Arlington in his 90s, a man from Euless in his 90s, a woman from Fort Worth in her 90s, a woman from Hurst in her 90s, a woman from unincorporated Tarrant County in her 90s, a woman from North Richland Hills in her 80s, a woman from Arlington in her 80s, a man from Bedford in his 80s, a man from Mansfield in his 80s, two women from Fort Worth in their 80s and a man from Arlington in his 60s.

Tarrant County now has 1,561 confirmed deaths from the COVID-19 virus and 118,933 people have recovered. A death previously recorded in Colleyville has now been identified as an Arlington resident. In addition, a previously reported death in Hurst was an out of county resident.

Denton County Reports 647 New Cases, Six Deaths

The county now has a total of 224 deaths. The deaths include:

  • A man in his 60s from Lewisville
  • A woman in her 80s from Dallas
  • A woman in her 80s from Flower Mound
  • A woman in her 70s who was a resident of southwest unincorporated Denton County
  • A woman in her 80s from Lewisville
  • A man in his 80s from Lewisville

Denton County also reported 359 newly recovered cases, increasing the countywide recovery total to 28,139.

Collin County Announces Vaccine Partnership With Local Cities

The county is partnering with several cities to assist in vaccine registration and distribution. The first cities to join the partnership include Allen, Anna, Celina, Lavon, Lowry Crossing, Lucas, McKinney, Melissa, New Hope, Princeton, Prosper, and Wylie.

As part of the partnership, the cities and Collin County will share local resources and cooperate for vaccine registration and vaccine distribution. Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) and the cities will jointly utilize the new online vaccine registration website launched on Tuesday. By this morning, more than 45,000 Collin County residents had registered for the vaccine wait list.

Tarrant Residents Face Long Wait Times Before Receiving Vaccine

Tarrant County is facing challenges with COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Residents have complained about long lines and wait times at the Resource Connection, a Fort Worth site where doses are being administered to people currently eligible under state guidelines.

Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley suggested opening more vaccination sites, but county administrator G.K. Maenius said it's not that simple.

"The supply is still limited,” he said. “So you need to make sure that you have enough vaccine when you open these sites up and you don't open them up for one day and have to shut them down because you don't have any vaccines. It's a supply and demand issue.”

Tarrant County Public Health officials said they’re working to set up two more vaccine administration sites in Fort Worth and Hurst. They hope to have those up and running by the end of next week.

Meanwhile Tarrant County is expected to get 30,000 more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this week.

Dallas County Says Vaccines Have Been Offered To All Healthcare Workers, New Doses To Arrive Next Week

Dallas County Health officials say they have so far offered COVID-19 vaccine doses to all hospital healthcare workers in the county who qualify and want it.

Dr. Philip Huang is director of Dallas County Health and Human Services. He talked to county commissioners yesterday:

“All the major hospital systems have had the vaccine,” he said. “They have offered it to their healthcare staff and, what we're finding is there's actually a considerable sum that are wanting to wait until a little time before they get it, they did not choose to get the first one.”

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said the county expects to start receiving shipments of 2,000 doses of vaccines every day starting next week.

For now, vaccines are being distributed to eligible workers and residents of long-term care facilities.

Dallas County residents can start registering online to receive a vaccine in the future.

Baylor Women’s Basketball Team Cancels Game After Coach Tests Positive

The Baylor women's basketball team has canceled its home showdown against Connecticut after Lady Bears coach Kim Mulkey tested positive for COVID-19.

Baylor began restricting team activities after Mulkey tested positive Monday. She had been in isolation after being exposed on Christmas Day to a family member who tested positive.

Mulkey had three negative tests before missing Saturday's win at TCU and her test Monday.

The school is doing more COVID-19 testing to determine how long to restrict activities.

Tuesday, Jan. 5

Dallas County Reports 2,794 Cases And 20 Deaths

The county now has a total of 1,698 deaths. The deaths reported on Tuesday include:

  • A woman in her 40s from Dallas.
  • A man in his 40s from Dallas.
  • A man in his 50s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in Mesquite.
  • A man in his 50s from Mesquite.
  • A woman in her 60s from Dallas.
  • Two women in their 60s from Mesquite.
  • A man in his 60s from Seagoville.
  • A man in his 60s from Dallas.
  • Two men in their 70s from Dallas.
  • A man in his 70s from Mesquite.
  • A woman in her 70s from Garland.
  • A woman in her 80s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in Mesquite.
  • A man in his 80s from Seagoville.
  • A woman in her 80s from Dallas.
  • A man in his 80s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in Dallas.
  • A man in his 80s from Mesquite.
  • Two men in their 80s from Dallas.

"Today we report record high hospitalizations, near record high case numbers and 20 additional deaths," Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said. "By January 11, UT Southwestern modelers had predicted we would reach 2,300 new cases a day and have between 860-1350 COVID hospitalizations. Today we have 1,113 COVID hospitalizations and almost 2,800 cases. Sadly, we have met or surpassed those predictions."

Eight Deaths In Tarrant County

The deaths included a man from Mansfield in his 80s, two women from Fort Worth in their 80s, a woman from Colleyville in her 80s, a man from North Richland Hills in his 80s, a man from Arlington in his 80s, a man from Arlington in his 40s, and a man from Fort Worth in his 30s.

Tarrant County now has 1,550 confirmed deaths from COVID-19 and 117,134 people have recovered.

562 New Cases In Denton County

Of the 562 cases reported Tuesday, 457 are active cases. This increases the cumulative, countywide total to 40,763. Denton County also reported 486 newly recovered cases of COVID-19, increasing the countywide recovery total to 27,782.

Texas Woman's University Now Administering Vaccines To Its Students, Faculty, And Staff

The university, known for its health care programs, began administering vaccines on Tuesday. TWU applied to be a vaccine provider and received a limited allotment during the second week of the Texas Department of State Health Services distribution schedule.

Many of the university's 16,000 students and faculty and staff fall under the Phase 1A eligibility requirements because they are healthcare workers.

Zaynah Delucca, a nursing major from Dallas who will start her women’s and adult health rotations at Parkland and Baylor University Medical Center next week, received the first dose of vaccine administered at TWU.

When asked why she opted to get vaccinated at TWU, she quickly answered, “I trust TWU. The university always does everything they can for students, and I felt it was the best place for me— even if I had to drive an hour to get here.”

Collin County Sets Up Vaccine Waitlist, More Than 30,000 Sign Up

The waitlist is for those who meet the Texas Department of State Health Services Phase 1A (frontline healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities) and 1B (those over 65 or those with underlying health risks) categories for receiving the vaccine. As of Tuesday, more than 30,000 people signed up.

For more information on vaccine eligibility, DSHS has information on who fits into Phase 1A and 1B.

Approximately 3,400 requests an hour were pushed through the form when it was first made available. The form will take requests in the order received, let the registrant know where they are in line for the vaccine, then notify them when vaccines become available from the county’s health department and schedule appointments.

As of Tuesday morning, the county had yet to receive any new shipments of vaccine from DSHS. By Monday, all available vaccine doses had been administered or scheduled for people in the Phase 1A and 1B categories.

There have been a total of 382 COVID-19 deaths and 47,080 cases in Collin County.

U.S. Rep. Kay Granger Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Fort Worth Congresswoman Kay Granger has tested positive for COVID-19.

A statement from Granger's office says she is "asymptomatic and feeling great" and will remain under the care of her doctor. Granger was tested for COVID-19 when she arrived in Washington D.C., and she quarantined after learning she tested positive.

Granger is the lead Republican on the House Appropriations Committee. She had recently received a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Texas Tribune

More Than 1,500 More Cases Reported In Dallas County

Dallas County announced Monday more than 1,500 additional cases of COVID-19.

And 17 more Dallas County residents have died from the disease. Those who died ranged in age from their 20s to their 90s. Most were over 70 and had underlying health conditions.

Over the weekend, Dallas County surpassed 200,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, and public health officials report there are currently more than 100 active outbreaks in long-term care facilities like nursing homes countywide.

With vaccines arriving in the region, county officials hope that new daily case numbers will begin to decline in March, but January and February are expected to see the highest number of infections yet.

That makes wearing a mask, avoiding in-person gatherings and social distancing measures critically important over the next 60 days, officials say, as few hospital ICU beds are available.

Monday, Jan. 4

Methodist Continued Inoculations Today

Methodist Health System in Dallas began administering second doses of the Pfizer vaccine to frontline employees Monday morning.

Bettina Johnson is a labor and delivery nurse.

"To be fully protected, and to know that it's 95% effective against the virus, you need to get the second dose and complete the series," she said in a video released by Methodist. "So I think it's really important that the public realize that one shot is not going to completely protect you from the COVID virus."

Hospital employees are receiving their second shots 21 days after the first doses.

Methodist said it expected to vaccinate about 700 employees on Monday.

Dallas County Reports 1,570 New Cases

Another 1,570 cases in the area raises the total to 179,594. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said it is important to take precautions in the coming days with vaccinations starting at nursing homes and for other high-risk populations:

“It is critical for the next 60 days that everyone continue to wear their mask and make good, smart decisions: avoid crowds, forgo get-togethers and wash their hands frequently. Just as it’s always the darkest before the dawn, these first two months will be difficult, but my hope is that by the end of February, things will begin to improve and continue to improve as more and more people are vaccinated.”

Seventeen deaths were reported today:

  • A Dallas woman in her 20s.
  • A Dallas woman in her 30s.
  • A Mesquite woman in her 40s.
  • Two Garland men in their 40s.
  • A Glenn Heights man in his 60s.
  • A Garland man in his 70s.
  • A Garland woman in her 70s.
  • A Dallas man in his 70s.
  • A Garland man in his 70s.
  • A Sachse man in his 70s.
  • Two Garland men in their 80s.
  • A Sunnyvale man in his 80s.
  • Two Dallas men in their 80s.
  • A Sachse woman in her 90s.

2,199 New Cases In Tarrant County

There are 2,199 additional cases in the area, bringing the total to 159,931.

There have been 17 deaths reported today: an Arlington man in his 80s, a Benbrook man in his 80s, a Fort Worth man in his 80s, a Hurst man in his 70s, an Arlington man in his 70s, a Fort Worth man in his 70s, a Fort Worth woman in her 70s, a North Richland Hills woman in her 70s, a Mansfield woman in her 70s, an Arlington man and two woman in their 60s, a Fort Worth man in his 50s, an Arlington woman in her 50s, a Fort Worth woman in her 40s, a Fort Worth man in his 40s and a Tarrant County man in his 30s.

Denton County Reports 410 New Cases

There are 410 new cases in the area, bringing the total to 40,202. Another 676 newly-recovered cases were also reported, raising the countywide recovery total to 27,298.

A free drive-thru testing center will be available on Friday, Jan. 8 at North Central Texas College’s Exchange Parking Garage at 319 E. Sycamore St in Denton. Eligible community members must reside in Denton County, pre-register by calling 940-349-2585, and have not previously tested positive for COVID-19. Pre-registration is required with appointments starting at 8 a.m.

Dallas, Tarrant County Continue Vaccinations

Dallas and Tarrant county have begun vaccinating certain residents against COVID-19.

Currently only residents in phase 1A or 1B are being vaccinated, that includes medical personnel and residents of long-term care facilities. Those being vaccinated have to register through a pre-screening website.

In a statement Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said the county has no remaining vaccine doses but expects more from the state soon and that officials are working to increase equitable and rapid vaccinations across the county.

Texas School Sports Moved Indoors For The Winter. So Did The Coronavirus.

Eric Kipper has played basketball for as long as he remembers. As a small child, he routinely shot hoops with his dad in the driveway. He joined a team in second grade, and playing became part of his daily routine.

“I love playing and being with my team," said 18-year-old Kipper, who plays for Westwood High School in the Round Rock Independent School District. "It’s been a large part of my life.”

When the coronavirus hit, shutting down schools and sports in the spring, Kipper couldn't imagine not playing his senior year.

The pandemic has prompted some states to delay or cancel indoor sports, but Texas has moved forward with them. Volleyball just wrapped up its season and basketball is underway. Wrestling, one of the closest contact sports, is slated to begin in February.

As COVID-19 cases have resurged across the state and country, some medical experts concerned about increased risks of virus transmission related to indoor sports are advising students not to participate in them.

Read the full story by The Texas Tribune.

Sunday, Jan. 3

Dallas County Reports 2-Day Total of 3,851 New Cases, 10 Deaths

Dallas County Health and Human Services is reporting 3,851 positive cases — 3,697 confirmed and 154 probable cases. These totals include data from Jan. 1 and 2.

The deaths include:

  • A Grand Prairie man in his 50s who was critically ill in an area hospital and did not have any underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A Dallas man in his 50s who was critically ill in an areahospital and did not have any underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A Dallas woman in her 60s who had been hospitalized andhad underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A Rowlett man in his 70s who was critically ill in an areahospital and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A Garland woman in her 70s who had been hospitalized andhad underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A Dallas woman in her 80s who was critically ill in an areahospital and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A Mesquite woman in her 80s had been hospitalized andhad underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 90s who was a resident of a long term care facility in the City of Mesquite. He was critically ill an area hospital and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A woman in her 90s who was a resident of a long term care facility in the City of Mesquite. She had been hospitalized and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 90s who was a resident of a long term care facility in the City of Mesquite. He was critically ill in an area hospital and had underlying high risk.

Tarrant County's 2-Day Total Hits 4,367

Tarrant County Public Health is reporting 4,367 new cases over a two-day period, Jan. 1 and 2. This brings the countywide total to 157,732 cases and 1,525 deaths from COVID-19.

Dallas County Opens Vaccine Registration Website

Dallas County Health and Human Services has created a COVID-19 vaccination registration and prescreening site for residents in phase 1A or 1B, as outlined by the state.

“Right now, we have no remaining vaccine but expect more from the state soon. We still have people in phase 1A that must be given the vaccine even as we begin phase 1B," Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a statement.

Dallas County residents can register here, be pre-screened and received additional information on the COVID-19 vaccine. Registrants will be notified of next steps as additional vaccine becomes available. The registration is for Dallas County residents only who are in phase 1A or phase 1B as defined by DSHS.

Jenkins said the county is working with the DFW Hospital Council and other groups to increase equitable and rapid vaccinations across the county.

Read More: A Timeline Of COVID-19's Spread In North Texas

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