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COVID-19 In DFW Mar. 7-Mar. 13: The Week Marked The One-Year Anniversary Of The Pandemic Declaration

A computer rendering of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Radoslav Zilinsky
/
Getty Images
A computer rendering of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Also, many places still require masks despite the end of the statewide mask mandate.

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

Saturday, March 13

Dallas County Reports 267 New Cases, 24 Deaths

The 24 additional deaths due to COVID-19 give Dallas County a cumulative total of 3,299. Saturday’s deaths include people who ranged in age from their 30s to their 80s.

Denton County Reports 65 New Cases

Of the 65 new COVID-19 cases reported in Denton County Saturday, 42 are active cases. The county also reported 93 newly recovered cases, which brings its recovery total to 59,124.

Tarrant County Reports 303 New Cases, 23 Deaths

With the 23 deaths reported Saturday, Tarrant County now has a cumulative total of 3,097 confirmed deaths from COVID-19. County officials also report 235,843 people have recovered.

43 New Cases In Collin County

The Texas Department of State Health Services reports 43 new COVID-19 cases in Collin County.

More Than 7 Million Vaccine Doses Administered Across Texas

COVID-19 vaccine providers have now administered 7,660,460 doses, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. More than 5 million Texans have received at least one dose, and nearly 2.7 million people are now fully vaccinated.

Friday, March 12

Dallas County Reports 401 New Cases, 39 Deaths

The 39 deaths give Dallas County a cumulative total of 3,275. Friday's deaths include people who ranged in age from their 30s to their 90s, and all but three had underlying high-risk health conditions.

Tarrant County Reports 323 New Cases, 36 Deaths

With the 36 deaths, Tarrant County now has a cumulative total of 3,074. Of the deaths reported Friday, two were from December, two from January, 29 from February and three were from March.

Denton County Reports 326 New Cases

Of the 326 new cases reported in Denton County, 182 are active cases. The county also reported 846 newly recovered cases of COVID-19, increasing the countywide recovery total to 59,031.

Dr. Deborah Birx Joints The Bush Institute As A Senior Fellow

The George W. Bush Institute announced Friday that Dr. Deborah L. Birx has joined the organization as a Senior Fellow. In the role, she will leverage her significant expertise in global health, pandemic response, and health systems to support the Bush Institute’s portfolio of work. She will also take on policy initiatives on how to better position our country to tackle health disparities in the future based off the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most recently, Dr. Birx served as the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, where she used complex data integration to drive decision making and worked closely with state officials across the country to provide state-specific advice and guidance.

"I am thrilled to be working with the incredible people and impactful programs at the Bush Institute," said Dr. Birx. “The Bush Institute programs put people at the center, recognizing we are stronger when we listen to each other, learn from one another, and come together to do things bigger than any of us could do alone. President and Mrs. Bush witnessed the impact of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic 20 years ago and responded by founding the Global Fund and PEPFAR. They believed the crisis could be tackled with people, funding, and compassion for others. We can do the same today by confronting pandemics with empathy and unity in action."

Dr. Birx is a world-renowned medical expert and leader whose long career has focused on clinical and basic immunology, infectious disease, pandemic preparedness, vaccine research, and global health.

Congress’ $1.9 Trillion COVID Relief Package Will Help More Than 4 Million Texans In Poverty

President Biden has signed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package into law.

Benjamin Wermund with the Houston Chronicle told public radio's Texas Standard the measure could help about 4 million Texans living in poverty.

“Part of this relief bill are expanded tax relief measures, mostly for low income families, there's an expanded child tax credit, up to $3,600 for children under 6, 3 thousand for children older than that, that's up from $2,000 per child currently.”

Wermund also said there are fewer limitations compared to earlier stimulus packages.

Billions of dollars will go to small cities to fund social programs like rental assistance -- and maybe even infrastructure improvements.

Fort Worth Chamber Of Commerce To Distribute COVID-19 Rapid Tests To Small Businesses

Now that Texas businesses can operate at 100% capacity, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce will begin distributing COVID-19 rapid tests to small business owners. The free tests came from a program set up by the Governor.

Tests are available in Fort Worth for businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Owners have to complete a business questionnaire and certification process. Once they're accepted, the businesses have to undergo training on testing protocol and reporting results.

Business owners can get more information by emailing info@fortworthchamber.com.

Thursday, March 11

Pandemic Hits 1 Year Mark

One year ago today, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky put out remarks this morning marking the grim occasion.

"The toll of this disease and the continued loss of life around the world and in our nation is heartbreaking. To so many of you who have felt the pain and loss of a loved one during this pandemic — you have suffered the ultimate loss, and we grieve with you," Walensky said in a statement. "The vaccination of millions every day gives me hope. Hope that we can beat this pandemic. And hope that we can get back to being with our family, friends, and community. And soon."

President Joe Biden will deliver remarks today.

Watch live in the player below.

Dallas County Reports 351 New Cases, Including One Case Of New Variant

Another 351 cases in the area brings the total to 248,724. Of the cases reported today, 229 are confirmed. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said one of the cases reported today was a person infected with the B.1.526 variant that began in New York City. The person didn’t have a travel history outside of Dallas County.

“The emergence of these strains is another strong reason to continue to wear a mask, social distance, wash hands frequently, avoid crowds and forego get-togethers,” Jenkins said.

Today, 35 deaths were reported in the area.

433 New Cases In Tarrant County

There have been 433 additional cases in the area, raising the total to 246,510. A total of 3,038 deaths and 234,533 people have recovered from the virus in the area.

Denton County Reports 455 Additional Cases

An additional 455 cases in the area raises the total to 69,307. There have been 634 newly recovered cases, bringing the countywide recovery total to 58,185.

New Poll Shows Pandemic’s Toll On Mental, Physical Health In U.S.

It's been nearly a year since Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued a "Stay Home Stay Safe" order in response to COVID-19. New data shows ongoing stress tied to the pandemic may be taking a toll on physical and mental health. KERA's Syeda Hasan reports.

Across the country, 61% of adults report undesired changes in their weight since the pandemic began. Nearly one in four report drinking more to cope with stress. That's according to the latest "Stress in America" survey from the American Psychological Association.

The online poll of more than 3,000 adults was conducted in February. Survey data shows the pandemic continues to disproportionately affect essential workers. One in four report being diagnosed with a mental health disorder since the pandemic began. A majority say they could have used more emotional support.

And the post-pandemic picture doesn't look much better: close to half of all respondents say they feel uneasy about interacting with others in person after the pandemic -- regardless of whether they've received a COVID-19 vaccine.

74 More CVS Stores In Texas To Be Vaccine Sites, Pharmacy To Begin Giving Doses To Anyone Over 50 March 14

CVS Health announced today it's add 74 stores to the list of vaccine sites and will begin to administer COVID-19 vaccines to people deemed eligible in Texas as early as Sunday, March 14 through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.

People can begin booking appointments on Saturday, March 13, as stores receive shipments of vaccine. Anyone meeting state eligibility criteria, as well as K-12 teachers and staff and childcare workers can register.

Patients must register in advance at CVS.com or through the CVS Pharmacy app. You can also register via CVS Customer Service by calling (800) 746-7287.

With the additional locations, there are now 180 CVS stores administering COVID-19 vaccines in Texas. The company said it's not yet releasing a list of the newly added sites to avoid patients overwhelming the stores.

Parkland Expands Visiting Hours

Beginning Thursday, March 11, Parkland Memorial Hospital will extend visiting hours to 2 to 8 p.m. daily on inpatient care units.

Visitation will be limited to one authorized visitor in single-occupancy rooms. All visitors must be designated and approved by patient (or their family) in advance.

NICU and Labor & Delivery visitation will not change — two parents or guardians per patient.

Visitors were previously limited to 4 to 7 p.m. daily.

Texans 65 & Older Will Still Prioritized For Vaccines As Age Range Eligibility Expands

Beginning Monday, all Texans 50 or older become eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.

However, Imelda Garcia with the state Health department said people 65 and older still get priority access to shots.

"We have indicated to all of our providers that they are in line with everyone else, that we want to make sure that we still need to get our seniors vaccinated as they are at greater risk."

Officials say the decision stemmed from data showing more than 90% of coronavirus-related deaths in Texans involved people age 50 and older.

Texas Health Official Says Undercount Of Population Means Less Vaccines For The State

Officials in Texas say they’re still trying to get the federal government to update its estimate of the Texas population when it allocates vaccines.

Imelda Garcia is Associate Commissioner at the Department of State Health Services. She says there’s a significant undercount of Texans.

“Overall, we think that a million adults are not getting counted towards Texas and so ultimately that does reduce the amount of the vaccine that is coming to the state. So that’s a significant number. But conversations are ongoing.”

Garcia says if the federal government raised its population count for Texas, the state would get about 10% more vaccines. She also says Texas officials are having another conversation with the feds about data on Friday.

Wednesday, March 10

Texans 50 & Older Eligible For Vaccine Starting March 15

Texas' Department of State Health Services announced today that all Texans over 50 will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 15.

According to the state, more than 93% of deaths in Texas directly caused by the coronavirus have been in people 50 and older, with those ages 50 to 64 accounting for 20% of all deaths.

“We’ve seen a remarkable decrease in the number of hospitalizations and deaths since people 65 and older started becoming fully vaccinated in January,” with Imelda Garcia with DSHS said. “Expanding to ages 50 to 64 will continue the state’s priorities of protecting those at the greatest risk of severe outcomes and preserving the state’s health care system.”

Dallas County Reports 557 New Cases, 21 Deaths

Another 557 cases in the area brings the total to 248,495. There have been 21 people who have died from the virus, ranging in age from their 50s to 80s.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said today marks the one-year anniversary of the day the first COVID-19 case was announced. So far, 3,201 Dallas County residents have died and over 285,000 have been infected with the virus.

448 New Cases, 2 More Deaths In Tarrant County

Tarrant County is reporting two coronavirus-related deaths today: a woman from Bedford in her 70s and a man from Arlington in his 50s. Both had underlying health conditions.

The 448 new cases the county reported today brings the cumulative, countywide total to 246,077. Tarrant County now has 3,030 confirmed deaths related to the virus.

616 New COVID-19 Cases in Denton County

Denton County Public Health is reporting 616 new cases today, of which 561 are active cases.

This increases the cumulative, countywide total to 68,852 COVID-19 cases, including 431.

Texas Senators Criticize State's Vaccine Roll Out For Black & Brown Texans

Several state senators are raising concerns Texas is failing to vaccinate Black and Latino Texans at an adequate rate.

Houston Democrat Borris Miles today told Imelda Garcia, with the Texas Department of State Health Services, the agency has failed to keep its commitment to get COVID-19 vaccines into communities of color.

"We've had some deficiencies that need to be filled and there's certain people in Texas that are at real danger and those are the same people that are dying in large numbers," Miles said.

Garcia said she takes the issue to heart.

"Like I've told you before I am a person of color and I'm also a woman. This is something I think about every day," she said. "And my commitments? I honor them as well as does the agency. Can we do better? Absolutely yes."

​​According to state data on the individuals in Texas who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, 5 percent are Black, 16% are Latino, and nearly 39% are white.

City Of Dallas Creating Database Of Business' Mask Requirements

The City of Dallas is creating database of which business are or are not requiring masks.

The city is asking businesses in the city to fill out a brief form online indicating if they are requiring face coverings or not.

The Gov. Greg Abbott repealed Texas' statewide mask order effective today. Local jurisdictions can not require people to wear masks at private businesses. Companies can make their own rules about if masks are or aren't required on their properties.

The survey responses will populate a map and searchable database created by the city that will be available to the public.

Dallas Mayor Johnson hopes the database will help residents know businesses' masking policies before they go out.

"It is critical that we make informed decisions and stay on guard as we strive to reach herd immunity," Mayor Johnson said. "This database will benefit businesses and provide a centralized resource for the people of Dallas as we continue our fight against this deadly virus.

View the database here.

TABC Returning To Traditional Enforcement With Spring Break

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is shifting to more traditional enforcement operations, as the governor's statewide mask mandate and business restrictions end today.

Spokesperson Chris Porter says TABC agents are now focusing on popular Spring Break destinations along the Gulf Coast and other areas hosting large university populations.​

"We are no longer going to be looking for COVID-19 enforcement because there are no more state mandates for us to enforce," Porter said.

Porter says instead, they'll be looking at things like alcohol sales to minors.

Tuesday, March 9

Dallas County Reports 31 Deaths, 265 Cases

The 31 deaths give Dallas County a cumulative total of 3,180. The deaths reported Tuesday included people who ranged in age from their 50s to their 90s, and all but one had underlying high-risk health conditions. Four were residents of long-term health care facilities.

Tarrant County Reports Seven Deaths, 244 Cases

The seven deaths give Tarrant County a total of 3,028. The deaths reported Tuesday include a man from Watauga who exceeded 90, a man from Arlington in his 80s, two women from Fort Worth in her 80s, a woman from Keller in her 80s, a woman from Arlington in her 50s, and a man from Richland Hills in his 30s. All but one had underlying health conditions.

Denton County Reports Six Deaths, 460 Cases

The six deaths in Denton County were people who ranged in age from their 70s to their 80s, and three of them were residents of a long-term care facility. The county now has a cumulative total of 431 deaths. Denton County also reported 460 positive cases, 440 of which are active cases, and 709 newly recovered cases.

Lawmakers Consider Bill To Allow Caregivers To Visit Nursing Home Patients

Visitation to nursing homes came to an abrupt stop as the coronavirus pandemic took hold this time last year. That stop in visitations included essential caregivers, often close family members and friends.

Lawmakers heard an hour and a half’s worth of testimony on a proposed law that would resume visitation for these caregivers. Mary Nichols, whose mother has Alzheimer’s, testified in favor of the bill.

“It’s very important that we allow long-term care residents access to at least one person so that when they die, they don’t die alone," Nichols said. "And when they die, they die knowing they have not been forgotten and have not been abandoned. I can’t say that about my mother.”

More than 1,500 nursing home residents have died because of COVID-19 in the last year.

Prisons Prepare For In-Person Visits To Resume

The Texas prison system is preparing to allow in-person visits again for the first time since the onset of the pandemic last March. Jeremy Desel is with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He said safety measures will be in place, such as requiring masks and rapid COVID-19 tests for visitors.

"Eligible inmates will be allowed to have two in-person visits per month," Desel said. "Those would be one-hour visits involving one adult at this time. And we will have to schedule those visits in advance through some procedures that will be announced in the coming days."

According to TDCJ, more than 34,000 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic. The agency has confirmed at least 86 inmates have died from the virus. Another 101 deaths are presumed to be COVID-related.

Governor Wants More Vaccines For Border Patrol Agents

Gov. Greg Abbott is accusing the Biden administration of not providing enough vaccinations to federal immigration officials.

The Republican leader spoke at a news conference in Mission, Texas, on Tuesday, highlighting border security.

“The Biden Administration should surge vaccines to Texas to all men and women to the Border Patrol this week, and ensure that every Border Patrol officer in the state of Texas will be vaccinated this week," he said. "Anything less than that is the epitome of inhumanity.”

Meanwhile, Texas Democrats are criticizing Abbott for refusing to accept federal funds to test migrants for COVID-19.

Dallas ISD Teachers, Staff Register For Vaccinations

Workers can sign up for the vaccine at three different schools Thursday and at four others Saturday.

Sheila Walker heads NEA Dallas, one of the local teacher organizations. She said the priority designation will make a big difference.

“Putting teachers and educators on a priority list has really helped us out a lot,” she said. “At first, I was thinking maybe next spring, meaning 2022, but I’m thinking by 2021, you know, we should be ready.”

The Dallas school district has partnered with Dallas County to vaccinate at least 9,000 certified teachers through Parkland Hospital.

Most Restaurants Will Continue Requiring Masks, Says Texas Restaurant Association CEO

The Texas Restaurant Association estimates 11,000 restaurants across the state have closed since last March when the first COVID-19 stay-at-home orders went into effect.

But the governor has lifted a statewide mask mandate, effective Wednesday, and restaurants can also open at 100% capacity.

Emily Williams Knight, president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, told public radio's Texas Standard a survey of restaurant association members found most will continue requiring masks.

“Employee safety has been a priority from the start, and so it was not surprising that more than 74% came back and said their employees will remain in masks, we think that's really critical until they're vaccinated.”

Knight said many restaurants will want to see masks on customers as they’re walking to tables. She said customers who don’t want to wear masks should use takeout or delivery service, rather than dining in.

Monday, March 8

Dallas County Reports 500 New Cases, 27 Deaths

The 27 deaths give Dallas County a cumulative total of 3,149. Monday's deaths include people who ranged in age from their 20s to their 90s, and all but two had underlying high-risk health conditions.

Tarrant County Reports 16 Deaths

The deaths include a man from Bedford in his 80s, a man from Fort Worth in his 80s, a man from Grapevine in his 80s, a man from Hurst in his 80s, a man from Benbrook in his 70s, a man from Arlington in his 70s, two men and a woman from Fort Worth in their 70s, a woman and two men from Arlington in their 60s, a woman from River Oaks in her 60s, a woman from North Richland Hills in her 60s, a man from North Richland Hills in his 50s, and a man from Arlington in his 40s. All had underlying health conditions.

Tarrant County now has 3,021 confirmed deaths and 232,028 people have recovered.

Denton County Reports 620 New Cases

Of the 620 cases reported by the county, 586 are active cases. Denton County also reported 1,047 newly recovered cases, bringing that total to 56,174.

State Gets A Boost In Vaccine Allotment

Now that the Johnson & Johnson shot is available, the Department of State Health Services said it's getting a big increase in its weekly vaccine allotment from the federal government. Texas is receiving more than 245,000 doses of the single-shot vaccine, which the FDA authorized for emergency use last month.

The state has also ordered 457,000 second doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for this week.

People eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in Texas include frontline health care workers, individuals who are at least 65, those with certain medical conditions, and teachers.

Texas To Receive $17 Billion Of Pandemic Stimulus Aid

The U.S. Senate passed a $1.9 trillion pandemic stimulus package over the weekend, with $27 billion allocated to Texas state and local governments.

The Dallas Morning News reports about $17 billion will go to the state, while more than $10 billion will be available for local governments.

Of that, Dallas County will receive $511 million and the city of Dallas will receive $377 million.

Spring Break Cut Short, Canceled For Many Students

Ending the mask-wearing mandate has many health officials concerned about large gatherings like spring break.

But so far, that's off to a slow start.

Some colleges shortened spring break or canceled it altogether. Columnist Ronnie Narmour with the Island Moon newspaper in Port Aransas spoke with Texas Public Radio Sunday afternoon.

“It's not happening down here in Port Aransas, I'm in the golf cart right now, way down the beach at about marker Thirty six, well beyond the bollards,” he said. “It's a ghost town down here. There's nothing going on.”

Narmour said there also were few beachgoers on South Padre Island this weekend.

Frisco ISD Will Continue Requiring Face Masks

The Frisco school district will continue requiring face masks for students, staff and visitors.

Ina letter to parents Friday, district officials said its data shows COVID-19 spread on campus is minimal when face coverings are worn.

Dallas school district officialsalso say they will continue requiring face masks for students and staff.

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

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