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COVID-19 In DFW June 14-20: Forecast Model Shows A Continued Rise In Dallas County Cases

Amid COVID-19 concerns, a fast food worker wears a mask and Easter bunny ears as he works at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Dallas.
LM Otero
/
Associated Press
Amid COVID-19 concerns, a fast food worker wears a mask and Easter bunny ears as he works at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Dallas.

As the Texas economy reopens and restrictions are lifted, the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Dallas County is increasing. The COVID-19 forecasting model predicts a steady rise in Dallas County cases past the end of June.

Get the latest news from our COVID-19 Live Updates page.

Saturday, June 20

Tarrant County Reports 180 Additional Cases 

Tarrant County Public Health announced 180 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total case count in the county to 8,511. 

There have been 208 COVID-19-related deaths in the county. 

59 New Cases In Denton County 

Denton County Public Health announced 59 additional cases, raising the total case count in the county to 2,113.

Public health officials also reported 21 newly recovered cases of COVID-19.

Collin County Reports 125 Additional Cases

The Texas Department of State Health Services announced 125 new cases, bringing the total case count in Collin County to 2,189. 

There have been 38 COVID-19-related deaths in the county. 

395 New Cases In Dallas County 

Dallas County Health and Human Services reported 395 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the total case count in the county to 16,437. 

The two additional deaths reported today include: 

  • A man in his 60s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas. He expired in the facility.
  • A man in his 60s who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and did not have underlying high risk health conditions.

Texas Childcare Centers See Sharp Increase In Coronavirus Cases After Months Of Relative Calm

Laura and Nathan Tate kept their 2-year-old son, Cameron, home for months during the pandemic. But when three of their restaurants reopened, they felt safe sending him back to their daycare in Rockwall because the facility was taking safety precautions and was coronavirus-free.

But after Cameron recently developed a fever, the couple rushed him to the ER. On June 13, less than a week after returning him to Primrose Daycare, the center told the Tates that a staff member — one whom Cameron had interacted with — had tested positive for coronavirus. They panicked, wondering about their son’s health and how many people might potentially, and unknowingly, have been exposed to coronavirus if their son tested positive for the disease.

“It just started like a domino effect,” Laura said. “You just start putting together all the pieces of what could be happening.”

Cameron, now 3, tested negative for COVID-19 and positive for strep throat. Other children and staff at his daycare and centers throughout the state tested positive for the coronavirus.

Coronavirus cases in Texas have surged, and childcare centers are no exception. As of Friday, 410 total cases of coronavirus — 267 staff members and 143 children — had been reported at 318 licensed child care operations across the state, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. That’s a sharp increase from the 339 cases the agency reported Thursday and the 210 it shared withKVUE-TV in Austin on Monday.

Read the full story by the Dallas Morning News.

Friday, June 19

394 New Cases, 4 More Deaths In Dallas County

Dallas County is reporting 394 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the total case count in Dallas County to 16,042, including 311 deaths. 

The additional 4 deaths being reported today include:

  • A man in his 30s who was a resident of the City of Grand Prairie. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 50s who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and did not have underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 60s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Farmers Branch. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 70s who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

Overall 60% of overall COVID-19 cases to date have been Hispanic.
Of cases requiring hospitalization, more than two-thirds have been under 65 years of age, and about half do not have any high-risk chronic health conditions. Diabetes has been an underlying high-risk health condition reported in about a third of all hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Of the 311 total deaths reported to date, over a third have been associated with long-term care facilities.

Tarrant County Reporting 232 New Cases, 2 More Deaths

Tarrant County is reporting 232 new COVID-19 cases today. This brings the total number of cases in the county to 8,331, including 207 Deaths.

According to data released by county health officials, 3,691 have recovered. 

Denton County Reports 74 New Cases

Denton County health officials are reporting 74 new cases of COVID-19 today. This increases the cumulative, countywide total to 2,054 confirmed cases, including 36 deaths. 

According to data released by county health officials, 1,028 people have recovered. 

County health officials are offering free drive-through COVID-19 testing Tuesday at the University of North Texas’ Union Circle Parking Garage at 350 S. Welch Street from 8 a.m. to noon. Eligible community members are those who have had symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 7 days, essential employees, individuals 60 years and older, and individuals who have had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. All community members must call to pre-register for testing at 940-349-2585.

42 New Cases In Collin County

There are 42 new COVID-19 cases in Collin County today, bringing the total number of cases conuty wide to 2,064, including 38 deaths.

According to data released by the state, 1,324 people in the county have recovered. 

Thursday, June 18

Tarrant County Reported 277 Additional Cases 

Tarrant County Public Health announced 277 new cases in the county, raising the total case count in the county to 8,099. 

There have been 205 deaths related to COVID-19 in the county. 

60 New Cases In Collin County 

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 60 new cases in Collin County, bringing the total case count in the county to 2,026. 

There have been 38 COVID-19-related deaths in the county. 

Denton County Announces 87 Additional Cases 

Denton County Public Health reported 87 new cases of COVID-19, raising the total case count in the county to 1,980. 

Public officials also reported 32 newly recovered cases of COVID-19. 

392 New Cases, 5 Deaths In Dallas County

Dallas County Health and Human Services reported 392 additional cases of COVID-19 in the county, bringing the total case count in the county to 15,648. 

The additional 5 deaths reported today: 

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

Hit Hard By COVID-19 Cutbacks, The Dallas Opera’s Still A Big Deal – On Facebook

Battered financially by the pandemic, the Dallas Opera shut down one show, postponed its entire season until next March. It’s laid off staff members, made others part-time. But surprisingly, right now, the Dallas Opera is killing it — online. And with material you might not expect.

To give an idea of how big the Dallas Opera is on social media: The Metropolitan Opera in New York is one of the largest performing arts organizations in the world — the peak of American opera. In a recent week, the Met put up 21 posts on Facebook, many of them live-streamed, fully staged operas. They’re very expensive productions to stage, and expensive to stream. That week, the Met received around 150,000 total engagements. ‘Engagements’ means people who viewed, commented on or shared the posts.

That same week, the Dallas Opera put up 20 posts and got 370,000 engagements — more than twice the Met. In fact, the only opera company in the world that out-polled Dallas was the Royal Opera House in London — with 28 posts, it was up in the stratosphere with more than 780,000 engagements.

Read the full story from Art&Seek's Jerome Weeks

4 People At Collin County Jail Test Positive

The Collin County sheriff announced Wednesday that four people at the county jail have tested positive for COVID-19. These are the first recorded cases at the Collin County Detention Facility.

The cases include three jail staffers and one person incarcerated at the jail. That person is being treated in an isolated infirmary cell, according to the Collin County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say they are increasing testing of inmates and jail workers.

According to the Texas Jail Standards Commission, as of Tuesday, there were more than 550 people locked up in county jails and more than a hundred jail employees statewide who had confirmed, active cases of COVID-19. Five people have died from the disease while in jail.

Jails in Dallas, Tarrant, Parker Grayson, Fannin and Smith counties all reported active cases of COVID-19. A spokesman for the Denton County Sheriff's Office said they currently have no active cases in the jail.

Dallas Symphony Announces Pay Cuts, Furloughs

The Dallas Symphony's announced salary reductions and furloughs for administrative staff.

The Dallas Morning News reports the pay cuts, effective July 6, will range from 2.5% to 12.5%. The symphony's CEP will take a 25% pay cut.

There will be 16 staff positions will be furloughed. Symphony officials say hope that will last no more than six months. Those furloughed get to keep their medical coverage.

The cuts do not affect musicians.

The symphony's had to cancel concerts since early March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Income's fallen by four million dollars.

Student Athletes Test Positive At 9 North Texas Schools

At least nine North Texas schools have seen cases of COVID-19 pop-up amongst student athletes.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports one is Southlake Carroll, which has closed part of it's summer conditioning program.

However, outdoor workouts for all high school and middle school sports will continue at Carroll Senior High School.

At least eight other Dallas-Fort Worth area schools have also shut down summer workouts because of positive COVID-19 tests. Those include Arlington Martin, Plano, Frisco Lebanon Trail, Burleson, Denton, Braswell, Sanger and Krum.

5 SMU Student Athletes Test Positive

Five Southern Methodist University student-athletes are in solation after testing positive for coronavirus.

Additional student-athletes have been quarantined via the school’s contact tracing program.

They were all among 75 student-athletes tested in the first wave of returns Monday.

Athletic director Rick Hart told The Dallas Morning Newseveryone who tested positive was asymptomatic. They and the players quarantined after contact tracing will be monitored daily.

State Fair Still Up In The Air

No word yet on whether the State Fair of Texas will open in September.

A statement from organizers said they’ll decide by late next month whether to open the fair for its 24-day run.

Organizers said health and safety's the top priority. So if the fair does go on as planned, "that might mean limited attendance, health screenings and pre-purchased tickets."

Last year's state fair drew more than 2.5 million people during a near month-long run, with more than 200,000 people on some peak days.

Wednesday, June 17

Dallas County Reports Record-Breaking 413 New Cases 

Dallas County Health and Human Services reported 413 additional cases of COVID-19, raising the total case count in the county to 15,256. Wednesday's case count is a single-day record for the county and the first time the county has reported more than 400 cases in a day.

Meanwhile, officials say 17 cases of COVID-19 in children and staff have been reported over the past week -- and those come from nine childcare facilities across the county. There have also been reports of illness among family members of the children.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins says he's concerned about the increase in hospitalizations in the county in recent weeks. He says if hospitalizations continue to rise, more people will get sick and die.

Officials on Wednesday also reported nine additional deaths -- the county has now recorded more than 300 deaths. Over one-third of the deaths so far are associated with long-term care facilities.

The nine deaths include:

  • A man in his 40s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas. He had been hospitalized, and did not have underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A woman in her 60s who was a resident of the City of Duncanville. She had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 60s who was a resident of the City of Mesquite. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and did not have underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 60s who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 60s who was a resident of the City of Mesquite. He had been hospitalized, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A woman in her 70s who was a resident of the City of Dallas. She had been critically ill in an area hospital, and did not have underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 70s who was a resident of the City of Lancaster. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 70s who was a resident of the City of Grand Prairie. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and did not have underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A woman in her 90s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas. She expired in hospice care, and had underlying high risk health conditions. 

101 Additional Cases In Collin County 

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 101 new cases in Collin County, raising the total case count in the county to 1,967. 

According to public health officials, 1,315 people in the county have recovered from the virus. 

Tarrant County Report 180 New Cases 

Tarrant County Public Health announced 180 additional cases, bringing the total case count in the county to 7,822. 

There have been 199 COVID-19-related deaths in the county. 

82 New Cases In Denton County 

Denton County Public Health reported 82 additional cases of COVID-19, raising the total case count in the county to 1,893. 

County officials also reported 14 newly recovered cases of COVID-19.

Fort Worth ISD Announces 'In-Person' And 'Virtual Learning' Options For The New School Year 

The Fort Worth Independent School District will offer parents two options for the 2020-21 school year: in-person instruction or virtual learning.

When school begins on August 17, parents may either send their students to campus or participate in an online learning environment. They will first make the decision starting July 1 when online enrollment begins.

Superintendent Kent P. Scribner said school in the fall will look very different than spring. 

“All Fort Worth ISD teachers will report to work at a school,” Scribner said. “Whether they are teaching in-person or online — or both — they will do so from a classroom setting and engage over the course of a usual school day.”

According to the press release, the online learning experience will also be more “robust” with higher expectations for educators and students.

Abbott Says 'No Reason Today To Be Alarmed' As Coronavirus Cases Set Record

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday the state's highest-ever number of new COVID-19 cases: 2,622.

He also reported a second record high: 2,518 people hospitalized with the virus in Texas, up from 2,326 a day earlier.

Despite the concerning uptick in people sick with the virus, Abbott said that the reason for his news conference was to let Texans know about the "abundant" hospital capacity for treating people with COVID-19. He and other officials spent much of the briefing touting the state's hospital bed availability.

Read the full story from KUT News.

Arlington gets $3M For Homeless Services, Resident Assistance Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Arlington will receive $3 million in federal funding to support homelessness services through the CARES Act.

The Dallas Morning News reports the money will also provide assistance to those at risk of losing their home because of financial hardship brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced it will allocate a total of $174 million to cities across Texas to fund existing and new emergency shelter. It can also be used get hotel rooms for or rehouse homeless individuals.

Arlington tenants can apply for assistance at ArlingtonTX.gov.

Tuesday, June 16

Tarrant County Reports 144 New Cases 

Tarrant County announced 144 additional cases, raising the case count in the county to 7,642. 

There have been 198 COVID-19-related deaths and 3,299 recovered cases in the county. 

79 New Cases In Collin County 

Collin County reported 79 additional cases, bringing the total case count in the county to 1,866. 

There have been 38 deaths related to COVID-19 in the county. 

Dallas County Reports 306 New Cases 

Dallas County Health and Human Services announced 306 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the total case count in the county to 14,843.

There were 8 additional deaths reported today:

  • A man in his 30s who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 40s who was a resident of the City of Hutchins. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A woman in her 40s who was a resident of the City of Dallas. She had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 60s who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A man in his 60s who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
  • A woman in her 70s who was a resident of the City of Dallas. She had been critically ill in 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 Dallas. She expired in the facility, 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 Dallas. She expired in the facility, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
40 New Cases In Denton County

Denton County Public Health announced 40 additional cases of COVID-19, raising the total case count in the county to 1,812.

Officials also reported 13 newly recovered cases of COVID-19.

Airlines Say They'll Crack Down On Passengers Who Refuse To Wear Face Masks

The largest U.S. airlines say they're ready to crack down on passengers who refuse to wear face masks on board.

The Dallas Morning News reports the Airlines for America trade group — representing carriers that include North Texas-based American and Southwest — said they'll increase the number of warnings made to passengers.

American and United Airlines say they may even deny future boardings to passengers that refuse to wear masks on board.

Airlines for America also said airlines will step up penalties for those who refuse to comply.

The move comes a month after many passengers ignored requirements to wear face masks.

Dallas Children’s Theater Lays Off Staff Members, Reduces Pay

Dallas Children’s Theater has laid off five full-time employees effective June 29. That's about a sixth of their entire workforce.

Remaining staff will see reductions in hours and pay, but the company plans to maintain healthcare benefits at current levels for as long as possible.

The majority of Dallas Children's Theater's revenue comes from ticket sales, classes and its touring company.

Dallas Children's Theater says it needs a minimum capacity of 75% for a successful show. However, under current pandemic restrictions, theater venues in Texas can only operate at 50% capacity.

Read more from Art&Seek's Jerome Weeks.

Some Dallas Cowboys And Houston Texans Test Positive

A number of players on the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.

NFL Network confirmed that one of them is Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott.

Reporter Ian Rapoport told the network that Elliott's agent confirmed he has the disease but is feeling good.

"From what I understand, the Texans players also are feeling fine and really do not appear to be sick," he said.

Rapoport also said Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is fine after being seen hanging out with Elliott — and that the league should expect more positive cases.

"He is not the first, and he certainly will not be the last as the NFL deals with this heading into the 2020 season," Rapoport said.

Elliott is one of a number of NFL players, including Dallas-area native Von Miller of the Denver Broncos, who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The NFL preseason is still scheduled to start August sixth, when the Cowboys play the Pittsburgh Steelers in the annual Hall of Fame game.

Monday, June 15

Tarrant County Reports 164 New Cases

Tarrant County Public Health announced 164 additional cases of COVID-19, raising the total case count in the county to 7,498.

There have been 197 deaths in the county related to COVID-19.

36 Additional Cases In Denton County 

Denton County Public Health reported 36 new cases of COVID-19, raising the total case count in the county to 1,772. 

Officials are also reporting 6 newly recovered cases of COVI

Collin County Reports 120 New Cases, 1 More Death

The county announced 20 new cases, raising the total case count in the county to 1,787. Officials also reported the death of a 67-year-old man from Celina.

The patient died Saturday evening at a McKinney hospital and had an underlying health condition. 

305 New Cases, 1 More Death In Dallas County 

Dallas County Health and Human Services reported 305 additional cases of COVID-19 in the county, bringing the total case count in the county to 14,537. 

One additional death has been reported today of a man in his 60s who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been critically ill at an area hospital, and had no underlying high-risk health conditions.

Updated COVID-19 Forecast Model Shows A Continued Rise In Dallas County Cases

As the Texas economy reopens and restrictions are lifted, the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Dallas County is increasing.

The COVID-19 forecasting model predicts a steady rise in Dallas county cases past the end of June.

Forecasters from the PolicyLab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have been monitoring how COVID-19 is spreading. The lab's director, Dr. David Rubin, said with commerce and travel returning to North Texas, the rate of transmission in Dallas County is increasing.

Saturday the county reported the highest single-day number of cases — a record that was broken daily last week. Hospitalizations have also gone up over the last three days, reaching the highest level recorded since the pandemic began. Dallas County also reported that emergency room visits for COVID-19 symptoms accounted for about a quarter of all emergency room visits.

"There was a brief period in May where it looked like things were stabilizing in Dallas," Rubin said. "But now they're heading North again, and they're supported by lots of other areas around them starting to show increased risk as well."

Rubin said the PolicyLab model does account for the higher number of tests being done in Dallas County, which results in higher case numbers. There's been no word from local leaders on the amount of tests being administered each day.

A few weeks ago, PolicyLab researchers thought the high heat and humidity in Texas would slow the spread of COVID-19. Now, they're not sure. 

"It's enough to mitigate transmission, but not enough alone to kind of bail us out. And clearly we've seen that now in Texas," Rubin said.

He said the goal is to find a safe way to continue reopening, and there still might be a way to do that and bring case numbers down. Rubin recommended putting stricter regulations in place, like thorough health and temperature screenings when people enter buildings.

Read the full story from KERA's Rebekah Morr

Sunday, June 14

Dallas County Reports 302 Cases And 1 More Death As Hospitalizations Continue To Rise Across Texas

The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state continues to go up. As of Sunday, 2,287 patients were hospitalized in Texas — and local health and county officials are concerned.

Last week, Dallas County saw the highest average of new COVID-19 cases and the highest average of hospitalizations.

Over the weekend, the county reported 647 additional cases, bringing Dallas County's total number of confirmed infections to more than 1,400, including 284 deaths.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said he’s especially worried about the number of people who’ve been hospitalized. 

“So we’re seeing a resurgence throughout Texas, most acutely in Harris County, but you’re seeing it begin here in Dallas County as well, Jenkins said. "So it’s imperative that we all make good choices.” 

During a press conference Friday, Jenkins said the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in North Texas is at its highest yet. 

He stressed four things everyone should do: Avoid crowds, maintain a social distance of six feet, wear a mask and use good hygiene. 

Jenkins also directed residents who are at high risk or live with someone who’s at high risk to look at guidance newly posted on the county’s website.

Guidance for apartment complexes is also now available on Dallas County's website.

81 New Cases, 3 More Deaths In Tarrant County

Tarrant County is reporting 81 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the county to 7,344, including 197 deaths. 

According to data released by county health officials, 3,158 residents have recovered from the disease. 

Denton County Reports 17 New Cases

Denton County has 17 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 today. This increases the cumulative, countywide total to 1,736 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 36 deaths. 

Denton County Public Health is offering free drive-through COVID-19 testing in Denton Tuesday at the University of North Texas’ Union Circle Parking Garage at 350 S. Welch St. from 8 a.m. to noon. Any community member with symptoms of COVID19 within the past 7 days, essential employees, individuals 60 years and older, and people who have had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 are all eligible for free testing. All community members must call 940-349-2585 to pre-register for testing. 

Collin County Reports 20 New Cases

There are 20 new COVID-19 cases in Collin County today, according to data released by state and county health officials. That brings the total number of confirmed cases in the county to 1,667, including 37 deaths.

Officials report 1,292 people have recovered from the disease.

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

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