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COVID-19 In DFW Mar. 14-Mar. 20: Businesses And Other Entities Clarify Mask Requirements

A photo of disposable face masks.
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Vaccine distribution efforts to benefit those in underserved populations also ramp up.

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

Saturday, March 20

Dallas County Reports 227 New Cases, 12 Deaths

The 12 deaths give Dallas County a cumulative total of 3,384. Saturday’s deaths include people who ranged in age from their 50s to their 80s.

Tarrant County Reports 142 New Cases, 14 Deaths

With the 14 deaths reported Saturday, Tarrant County now has a cumulative total of 3,198 confirmed deaths from COVID-19. County officials also report 238,132 people have recovered.

More Than 8 Million Vaccine Doses Administered Across Texas

COVID-19 vaccine providers across the state have now administered 8,842,850 doses, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. More than 3 million Texans are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Friday, March 19

Dallas County Reports 348 Cases, 22 Deaths

The 22 deaths give Dallas County a total of 3,372. Friday's deaths include people who ranged in age from their 20s to their 90s. All of them had underlying high-risk health conditions. Three additional cases of the B.1.1.7 strain, the strain first found in the United Kingdom, were also diagnosed in Dallas County.

Tarrant County Reports 289 Cases, 24 Deaths

The 24 cases include one death from December, one from January, 11 in February and 11 from March. All but four had underlying health conditions. Tarrant County now has 3,184 confirmed deaths and 237,754 people have recovered.

Denton County Reports 114 Cases

Of the 114 cases reported Friday, 96 are active cases. Denton County also reported 525 newly recovered cases, bringing that total to 61,572.

Cases, Hospitalizations Continue To Decline

The number of COVID-19 cases in Texas was still declining as of Thursday, as were the number of people hospitalized with the virus.

The 4,373 new confirmed and probable cases Thursday were 373 fewer than Wednesday’s report, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The state’s pandemic total is at almost 2.74 million cases.

Active cases fell closer to the 100,000 mark at an estimated 108,696 Thursday, and the state reported 3,846 COVID-19 hospitalizations Wednesday, the most recent total available and 69 fewer than Tuesday.

Johns Hopkins University researchers say the state’s death toll is at 46,854. The researchers also said the rolling average of daily new cases has fallen by 2,695 cases over the past two weeks, a 37% decrease.

Homelessness Was Increasing In Texas, Even Before The Pandemic

A new report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development finds homelessness was increasing in Texas before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

"And we know the pandemic has made the homelessness crisis worse," said HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge.

Based on data collected last January, homelessness in Texas rose by 5.3% from 2019 to 2020. Nationally, the figure rose by just over 2%.

Thursday, March 18

City Of Dallas Database Showing Businesses' Mask Policies Continues To Grow

The City of Dallas' database showing which business are or are not requiring masks is up and running.

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

With Gov. Greg Abbott's repeal of the statewide mask order, local jurisdictions can not require people to wear masks at private businesses but companies can make their own rules about if masks are or aren't required on their properties.

Dallas Mayor Johnson said he 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.

Dallas County Has 190 New Cases, 20 More Deaths

This brings the countywide case count to 250,149, including 3,350 deaths.

The deaths reported today were among people who ranged in age from their 50s to their 70s.

Officials site the growing availability of vaccine doses for driving down hospitalization and positivity rates statewide.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins is encouraging residents to register with as many vaccine providers as possible.

“There’s no way to know which provider will get you the vaccine the fastest, so signing up in multiple places (though tedious) is your best move,” Jenkins said on Twitter. “Get your shot as soon as you’re eligible.”

Tarrant County Reports 13 Deaths & 215 New Cases

The 13 deaths reported today brings Tarrant County's total to 3,160 deaths related to coronavirus. The deceased ranged in age from their 50s to their 90s. All but one had underlying health conditions.

The county also reported 215 new cases today bringing the cumulative, countywide cases to 248,317.

192 New Cases, 6 Deaths In Denton County

There are 192 new cases and six more deaths in Denton County today.

“As we report six deaths from COVID-19 today, we hope you will keep their families in your thoughts and prayers,” Judge Andy Eads said in a statement. “We ask you to please continue to follow safety precautions as recommended by Denton County Public Health.”

The individuals whose deaths were reported today ranged in age from their 50s to their 80s.

The cumulative, countywide total of cases in the county is now 70,771, including 453 deaths.

Vaccinations To Resume At The Potter’s House Church

COVID-19 vaccinations will resume Thursday morning in the overflow parking lot of The Potter's House church in southern Dallas.

Mayor Eric Johnson announced the city will give out 5,000 first doses of the Moderna vaccine Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Second-dose distributions will resume at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center next week.

The doses will continue to be distributed on an invitation-only, appointment-only basis.

Texas Senate Approves Bill To Increase Visitation For Long-Term Care Facility Residents

The Texas Senate has unanimously approved a bill ensuring visitation rights for residents in long-term care facilities and nursing homes. Access had been limited because of COVID-19.

Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham authored Senate Bill 25.

"This is a really important bill of how we treat the most fragile of our society, and we have isolated them,” Kolkhorst said.

If the House votes yes, the bill would allow at least one essential caregiver to visit their loved one for a minimum of two hours per day.

It would also require the visitor to wear Personal Protective Equipment and complete a health screening before entering the facility.

Wednesday, March 17

Hospitalizations In Texas Continue To Drop

The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Texas has dropped below 4,000 for the first time since October.

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services on Monday reported 3,980 hospitalizations. State health officials also reported 1,610 new confirmed and probable cases and 27 additional deaths.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University, the rolling average number of daily new cases in Texas has decreased by 2,921.3 over the past two weeks, a decrease of 39.1%. Over 2.8 million people in Texas are now fully vaccinated, that’s about 10% of the state’s population

Dallas County Reporting 215 New Cases & 10 Deaths

The have now been a total of 250,028 COVID-19 cases in Dallas County, including 3,330 deaths.

Dallas County Judge Clay said the raw case count is among several statistics that indicate the county is headed in the right direction.

"Our positivity rate at hospitals is below 5%," Jenkins said on Twitter. "This number was many multiples of that only two months ago."

He urged people to register for the vaccine even if they don't think they're eligible.

"Even if you do not feel that you qualify currently, register on as many websites as you can, so that when your time comes, you’ll be registered and among the first people to be able to get a shot in your group," Jenkins said.

323 New Cases, 9 Deaths In Tarrant County

The nine Tarrant County residents whose deaths were reported today ranged in age from their 50s to their 90s. All had underlying health conditions.

The 323 additional cases brings the countywide total to 248,102, including 3,147 confirmed deaths.

Denton County Reports 236 New Cases

There are 236 new cases of COVID-19 in Denton County today, of which 193 are active cases. This increases the cumulative, countywide total to 70,579 COVID-19 cases, including 447 deaths.

Texas Case Numbers Heading Up Despite Decline 2-Week Average

The state count of new COVID-19 daily cases is back above 4,000. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported more than 4,800 new confirmed and probable cases Tuesday.

Even so, Johns Hopkins University researchers say the rolling average of new cases reported over the past two weeks has fallen by 3,078 per day, a 39.7% decrease.

Texas has recorded more than 2.7 million COVID-19 cases during the pandemic. There were 130 new COVID-19 deaths reported Tuesday by Texas officials, pushing the state's pandemic death toll closer to 47,000 — the third-largest in the nation

Tuesday, March 16

Dallas County Reports 311 Cases, 11 Deaths

The 11 deaths give Dallas County a cumulative total of 3,320. Tuesday's deaths included people who ranged in age from their 30s to their 80s, and all had underlying high-risk health conditions.

The county also reported 311 new cases, two of which were the B.1.1.7 strain, the more contagious strain first reported in the United Kingdom.

Tarrant County Reports 230 Cases, Six Deaths

The deaths reported Tuesday include a woman from Hurst in her 80s, a woman from Arlington in her 80s, a man from Hurst in his 70s, a woman from Arlington in her 60s, a man from Fort Worth in his 60s, and a woman from Fort Worth in her 30s. All but one had underlying health conditions.

Tarrant County now has 3,138 confirmed deaths and 236,940 people have recovered.

Denton County Reports 341 Cases, 16 Deaths

The 16 deaths give Denton County a cumulative total of 447. Tuesday's deaths included people who ranged in age from their 40s to their 80s, and eight of them were residents of long-term care facilities.

Of the 341 cases reported Tuesday, 300 were active cases. There were 412 newly recovered cases, bringing the cumulative total to 60,248.

Dallas City Council Member Hosts Event To Provide Transportation To Fair Park Vaccine Site

For people without cars, getting to and from a drive-through only COVID-19 vaccine site has its challenges. Dallas City Council Member Jaime Resendez is trying to fill those transportation gaps in his Southeast Dallas district.

He hosted an event Tuesday with Dallas County and local nonprofits, offering free bus rides to the Fair Park vaccination site. More than 100 residents showed up.

"I think one of the reasons that this event has this type of demand is because there are a lot of people who are registered with the county who are still waiting for an appointment," he said. "With our event, they can register with us and then they are pretty much guaranteed to show up today and then get the vaccine today."

The event was open to people 50 and older who live in two southeast Dallas ZIP codes. Resendez said until Dallas County is able to provide mobile vaccine units, he'll push to get transportation for his constituents.

Poll: Fewer Republicans Would Get COVID-19 Vaccine

A new poll finds there's a growing partisan split when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines.

42% of Republicans responding to the Associated Press-NORC survey said they probably or definitely will not get the shot. That's compared with 17% of Democrats.

That's raising alarms among health experts who fear it could undermine efforts to achieve herd immunity and finally move past the pandemic.

New Vaccination Site Opening In Fort Worth's Stop Six Neighborhood

A new COVID-19 vaccination site's opening in the Stop Six area of Fort Worth. The historically Black neighborhood's one of Tarrant County’s lowest vaccinated areas. Less than four percent of the residents have been inoculated so far.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports a neighborhood church will serve as the new vaccination site, but no other details have been released.

North Texas Airports Receive Federal Aid

More than $75 million in federal aid is on its way to two North Texas airports. Dallas Love Field received $15.5 dollars. DFW Airport will get more than $60 million.

The money will help with operations, personnel and more to help ease economic distress from the ongoing pandemic.

President Biden Kicks Off Tour To Highlight COVID-19 Relief

President Biden hits the road Tuesday to highlight the benefits of his massive COVID-19 rescue plan. He is in suburban Philadelphia will promote aid for small businesses.

The so-called “Help is here” tour launched Monday with Vice President Kamala Harris at a COVID-19 vaccination site in Las Vegas, while first lady Jill Biden toured an elementary school in New Jersey.

Monday, March 15

Dallas County Reports 574 New Cases, 10 Deaths

The 10 deaths give Dallas County a total of 3,309. The deaths reported Monday include people who ranged in age from their 30s to their 90s and all had underlying high-risk health conditions.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 37% of individuals 65 and older have been fully vaccinated in Dallas County as of March 14. Vaccine distribution resumed at Fair Park on Monday for both first and second doses, though there are fewer doses available this week, according to Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.

"(Monday) we will vaccinate approximately 8,000 people for first doses and only a few thousand for first doses for the rest of the week," Jenkins said. "It is our hope that the state will work with the federal government and restore the shots that they have diverted from Dallas and Tarrant counties over the last four weeks."

Tarrant County Reports 201 New Cases, 13 Deaths

The deaths reported Monday include a woman from North Richland Hills in her 80s, two men and a woman from Fort Worth in their 80s, a man from Euless in his 80s, a woman from Arlington in her 70s, a woman from Watauga in her 70s, a man from Bedford in his 70s, a man and a woman from Fort Worth in their 60s, a man from Arlington in his 60s, and two men from Fort Worth in their 50s. All but one had underlying health conditions.

Tarrant County now has 3,132 confirmed deaths and 236,706 people have recovered.

Denton County Reports 308 New Cases

Of the 308 cases reported Monday, 212 are active cases. Denton County also reported 725 newly recovered cases, bringing that total to 59,849.

Love Field Receives Coronavirus Relief Money

Love Field will get two federal grants totaling $15.5 million as part of the Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act passed in December.

“As we look to turn the corner on this deadly pandemic, it’s critical that Texas airports are given every resource they need to handle the coming increase in travel,” Texas Sen. John Cornyn said in a statement. “I applaud this announcement that will benefit the health and well-being of travelers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.”

City of McKinney Will Close Vaccine Hub By April 30

The city announced it will close its vaccination hub at McKinney ISD Stadium and Community Event Center by April 30, and shift distribution to private health providers and other community vaccine providers.

The McKinney Fire Department will complete all second doses for those who received their first dose from the hub. The site began vaccinating people on Dec. 23 and has given out more than 35,000 shots.

City Of Dallas Will Require Masks At Indoor Rec Centers But Not At Parks, And Limited Theater Performances Will Happen

The city of Dallas is detailing its policies on face coverings after the end of a statewide mask mandate.

A memo Friday from Assistant City Manager Joey Zapata said all safety precautions will remain in place for indoor public facilities.The city’s Park and Recreation Department requires masks at indoor rec centers, but not in parks and on trails. Social distancing also is encouraged.

Zapata said the city’s Office of Arts and Culture plans to resume indoor performances at the Majestic Theater and the Moody Performance Hall in May at about 30 percent capacity.

You can also find a map of Dallas-area businesses that still require masks from patrons.

Collin County Re-Opens Vaccine Appointment Portal

Collin County Judge Chris Hill said officials have cleared the vaccine waitlist after temporarily suspending new registrations, and the appointment portal is now open to eligible residents.

Beginning Monday, anyone 50 and older can sign up. There's more information at collincountytx.gov.

Dallas Parks And Rec Offers Vaccine Registration For Residents In FEMA Priority Areas

Residents in 17 zip codes can call a recreation center located within the zip code to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and once registered, they will get information on when to arrive at a designated pickup area for transport to Fair Park to get the vaccine. More information is available at the Dallas Parks and Recreation website.

To be eligible, residents must be 50 years or older and live in one of the following zip codes: 75042, 75061, 75150, 75210, 75211, 75212, 75215, 75216, 75217, 75220, 75224, 75227, 75228, 75231, 75237, 75241, 75243.

Eligible residents can call one of these City of Dallas recreation centers to register:

  • Bachman: (214) 670-6266
  • Beckley-Saner: (214) 670-7595
  • Eloise Lundy: (214) 670-6781
  • Harry Stone: (214) 670-0949
  • Kiest: (214) 670-1918
  • Singing Hills: (214) 670-7550
  • Tommie M. Allen: (214) 670-0986
  • Willie B. Johnson: (214) 670-6182

Registration is available Monday through Wednesday this week. Times and dates are as follows:

  • Monday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Registration ends at 1 p.m. for Beckley-Saner, Eloise Lundy, Singing Hills and Tommie M. Allen)
  • Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Registration ends at 1 p.m. for Kiest and Bachman)
  • Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday Marked One-Year Anniversary Of Governor's Disaster Declaration

Saturday marked a year since the Governor first issued a disaster declaration in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Texas had 30 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the time. The number since has exceeded 2.3 million infections and more than 45,000 people have died.

Doctor Iván Meléndez is the lead health official for Hidalgo County in the Rio Grande Valley. He told public radio's Texas Standard not a day goes by that he doesn't shed a tear.

"I've lost five physicians, I've lost 24 nurses, I held my mother's best friend in her arms when she passed away, I played recording to corpses from people that were sent to me, I've been in freezers with 90 cadavers, some lying on top of each other other, some of which are my ex-patients," he said.

Hidalgo County has confirmed about 52,000 COVID cases — the ninth most of any county in Texas.

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

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