News for North Texas
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

COVID-19 In DFW October 4-10: Dallas County Sees A Rise In Case Numbers

A scientist at work on a COVID-19 vaccine candidate at Bogazici University in Istanbul in August.
Onur Coban
/
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
A scientist at work on a COVID-19 vaccine candidate at Bogazici University in Istanbul in August.

Health and local officials expressed concern about the rise in case numbers.

Saturday, Oct. 10

Dallas County Reports 492 Cases
Dallas County Health and Human Services is reporting 492 additional cases and one death.

The death is reported as a woman in her 80s who was a resident of a Richardson long-term care facility and who did not have underlying health conditions.

Tarrant County Reports 418 New Cases, 2 Deaths
Tarrant County Public Health is reporting 418 new cases, bringing the cumulative number of cases to 54, 570. Two more deaths are reported.

Collin County Reports 145 New Cases
Collin County Health Department is reporting 145 new cases, bringing the total number of cases to 16,151.

Denton County Reports 58 New Cases
Denton County Public Health is reporting 58 new cases. This increases the countywide total number of cases to 14,196.

DCPH is providing a free drive-through testing center on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church, 1641 W. Hebron Parkway in Carrollton. You can find more information on the county website.

Friday, Oct. 9

448 New Cases And Three Deaths Reported In Dallas County

The three deaths include: A woman in her 40s from Dallas, a man in his 70s from Mesquite, and a man in his 70s from Dallas. Of the 448 cases being reported Friday, four of them are older cases.

"With Texas/OU weekend starting today, it’s very important that we resist the urge to celebrate in ways the doctors recommend against, " Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said. "Please do not go to large gatherings or any gathering where people are not wearing their mask 100% of the time indoors. We want to reverse the trend that we’re now seeing in our numbers going up and get to a place where less people get sick, more businesses can thrive and our children are having safe in-person experiences at school."

Denton County Reports 117 New Cases

Denton County announced 145 new cases, increasing the cumulative, countywide total to 14,138. DCPH also reported 75 newly recovered cases of COVID-19, increasing the countywide recovery total to 12,094.

A free drive-thru COVID-19 testing center will be open Tuesday at Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church at 1641 W Hebron Parkway in Carrollton. Eligible community members are those who are residents of Denton County who pre-register and have not previously tested positive for COVID-19. Pre-registration is required and appointments are available starting at 8 a.m. To pre-register, call DCPH at 940-349-2585.

Five More Deaths In Tarrant County

Tarrant County now has 690 confirmed deaths. The five deaths include a man in his 60s from Fort Worth, a woman in her 70s from Arlington, a man in his 80s from Fort Worth, a woman in her 80s from Arlington, and a man in his 90s from Fort Worth.

Collin County Cases Now Top 16,000

There were 83 new cases reported in Collin County, bringing the countywide total to 16,006. 15,213 recoveries have been reported in the county.

Census Bureau Survey Shows Texans Face More Financial Challenges Than Rest Of U.S.

More than a quarter of Texans surveyed by the Census Bureau said they expect someone in their household to lose wages because of the coronavirus over the next month. The bureau's latest snapshot of economic well-being shows Texans facing slightly higher levels of hardship than the rest of the nation.

The survey found 38% of Texans were struggling to afford typical household expenses. More than a third of respondents worried they could soon be forced out of their homes by eviction or foreclosure.

The survey was conducted from mid- to late-September.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump said he was stopping negotiations on a stimulus bill to send help to the beleaguered nation. Then he walked his statement back after stock prices tumbled.

Back in May, Democrats in the House approved a sweeping relief package, and last week pushed through a smaller, compromise-oriented bill. Senate Republicans and the Trump administration rejected both and haven't publicly laid out an alternative plan.

In Texas, meanwhile, more than 2.4 million people said there wasn't enough food to feed everyone at home over the previous week. That's about 13% of all households.

Pandemic Delays Trial Of Former Fort Worth Police Officer Charged With Murder Of Atatiana Jefferson

The pandemic has delayed the murder trial for the former Fort Worth police officer charged with killing Atatania Jefferson nearly a year ago.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports a hearing to consider pre-trial motions is scheduled for October 27, but the Texas Supreme Court has delayed jury trials until at least December, meaning Aaron Dean likely won't get his day in court until next year.

Jefferson was playing video games with her nephew when Dean shot through her bedroom window and killed Jefferson.

He and another officer were responding to a non-emergency call about Jefferson's front door being left open all day.

Thursday, Oct. 8

Tarrant County Reports 546 New Cases, 5 Deaths

The five deaths reported today include: an Arlington woman in her 80s, a Fort Worth man and woman in their 70s, a Haltom City woman in her 60s and a Fort Worth woman in her 40s.

There are 546 new cases in the county, raising the total to 53,838. Of the 546 cases reportedly today, 133 were collected a month ago or more. There have been 685 deaths and 45,715 people who have recovered from the virus.

238 Additional Cases In Dallas County

There are 238 new cases in the area, 40 of which were probably cases. Of the 198 new confirmed cases reported today, 19 came through the state’s electronic reporting system which has been experiencing a backlog.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said in recent weeks the numbers have “gone in the wrong direction” and everyone needs to help in reversing the trend:

“Our numbers in recent weeks have gone in the wrong direction, and it’s up to all of us to reverse that trend so that more people will stay safe, more businesses will thrive, and more children will be able to experience in–person classes.

The decisions you make today will impact the numbers next week and the week after, so please resist the urge to go to large group settings and wear your mask, maintain six-foot distance and wash your hands regularly to help control the increasing spread of COVID-19.”

Four deaths were reported today:

  • A Dallas woman in her 30s.
  • A Dallas man in his 50s.
  • A Dallas man in his 50s.
  • A Dallas man in his 70s.

Denton County Reports 110 New Cases

Another 110 cases in the area brings the total to 13,993. There have also been 54 newly-recovered cases, increasing the countywide recovery total to 12,019.

A free drive-thru testing center will be available on Friday, October at the University of North Texas’ Discovery Park at 3940 N. Elm St in Denton. Eligible community members are those who are residents of Denton County who pre-register and have not previously tested positive for COVID-19.

Pre-registration is required and appointments are available starting at 8 AM. To pre-register, call DCPH at 940-349-2585.

109 New Cases In Collin County

An additional 109 cases in the area raises the total to 15,923. There have been 161 deaths and 15,091 people who have recovered from the virus in the area.

Dallas County Judge Says He Won’t Reopen Bars Yet

Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Wednesday that bars can begin reopening in Texas next week for the first time since June. However, Greg Abbott's order limits bars to 50% capacity.

He said bars also can open only in counties that grant permission, two of the most populous in Texas won't do it just yet.

A tweet yesterday from Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said he'll listen to everyone, but will follow the science.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's also saying no for now. She said things are heading in the right direction but Harris County can't let's guard down.

Dallas County Faces Shortage Of Flu Vaccine

Flu season officially began last week and Dallas County Health and Human Services is facing a shortage of flu vaccine. Director Dr. Philip Huang this week told the county commissioner the agency's supply is nearly depleted.

Huang later told the Dallas Morning News the delay is because of vaccine makers. He anticipates a shipment of 5,000 doses by mid-month.

Tarrant County said it's only received limited doses of the flu vaccine so far. A Collin County spokesperson said they are not facing delays.

You can get a flu shot through your doctor or at area pharmacies.

Wednesday, Oct. 7

343 New Cases, Two Deaths Reported In Dallas County

Dallas County is reporting 343 additional positive cases of COVID-19 and two deaths. The deaths include a man in his 60s from Dallas and a man in his 80s from Richardson.

"We are seeing increased cases coming not only from businesses as the governor has increased occupancy limits but also from home and backyard get-togethers," said Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins. "It’s understandable that the public would falsely believe that the numbers are going down when the governor is reopening businesses and therefore people have loosened their guard for their home gatherings, but this would be a mistake according to DFW health experts because the fact is the numbers are going up."

Tarrant County Reports Four More Deaths

The total deaths in Tarrant County is 680. The deceased include a man from Mansfield in his 60s, a man from Westworth Village in his 60s, a man from Arlington in his 60s and a man from Arlington in his 50s. There have been 572 new positive cases reported.

Four Deaths Reported In Denton County

Denton County Public Health has announced four COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 113 deaths. The deaths include: A male in his 40s from Carrollton, a male in his 70s from Frisco, a male in his 50s from Denton, and a female in her 70s from Little Elm.

There are also 135 new laboratory-confirmed cases, increasing the countywide total to 13,883 confirmed cases. DCPH also reported 122 newly recovered cases of COVID-19, increasing the countywide recovery total to 11,965.

A free drive-thru COVID-19 testing center will be offered Friday at University of North Texas’ Discovery Park at 3940 N. Elm St in Denton.

Collin County Has 78 New Cases

There are now 15,814 total cases in Collin County, with 158 total deaths. 14,987 people have recovered from the virus.

Kids In Texas Are More Likely To Be Obese, And COVID-19 Might Make The Problem Worse

Kids in Texas are more likely to be obese than the national average. Now, the pandemic’s impact on the economy might make the problem worse, as access to healthy foods becomes a challenge for many.

More than 17% of children between the ages 10 and 17 are considered obese in Texas, according to a new report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. That's higher than the nationwide average of 15.5%.

The report found a link between health disparities and income. Kids from households that make below the federal poverty line are two and half times more likely to be obese.

The report recommends that federal lawmakers increase funding for food stamps during the economic downturn, as well as continue support of free meal programs for students. Emerging research also shows that obesity is one of the elevated risk factors for severe COVID-19 symptoms.

Some Of The Largest Texas School Districts Report A 5% Drop In Enrollment

Some of the biggest urban and suburban school districts in Texas are seeing about a 5% drop in student enrollment.

The Texas Tribune's Aliya Swaby talked to Texas Standard.

"It's not just that students left for y'know private schools, or left for charters, which is definitely true for some of them, but some of them just, for whatever reason, are unable to actually participate in their education,” she said.

State education officials announced last week that districts in Texas will not lose funding for dips in enrollment for the first half of the academic year.

Some superintendents are asking for that reprieve to be extended through the rest of the school year.

Tuesday, Oct. 6

Denton County Reports 1,240 New Cases, Including Positive Antigen Tests

Denton County Public Health (DCPH) announced 1,240 total new laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Denton County, of which 493 are active cases. This increases the cumulative, countywide total to 13,748 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

DCPH also reported 988 newly recovered cases of COVID-19, increasing the countywide recovery total to 11,845.

Within today’s totals, DCPH is including 1,181 positive COVID-19 antigen tests that have been reported and investigated within the last few weeks. In response to the change in testing trends, DCPH will also report antigen positive tests daily. This additional reporting allows DCPH and community members to have a better understanding of COVID-19 transmission within the county, where antigen testing has become more accessible and more common locally.

“Several weeks ago, our team reminded providers to report positive antigen tests. As we investigated both PCR and antigen positive cases, we noticed a significant shift in the testing behaviors of our community members,” stated Dr. Matt Richardson, DCPH Director. “More community members are utilizing rapid antigen testing and our data now reflects that. Data integrity is maintained and enhanced with the reporting of these new cases, as each positive antigen test is investigated in the same way DCPH investigates molecular tests.”

Dallas County Reports 246 New Cases, One Additional Death

The 246 new cases brings the county's total case count to 84,491. The one death reported was of a Dallas man in his 50s, bringing the total deaths in Dallas County to 1,038.

Four More Deaths Reported In Tarrant County

Tarrant County reported four COVID-19 deaths today. The deceased include two women from Fort Worth in their 80s, and a man and woman from Arlington in their 50s. The county now has 676 confirmed deaths and 45,231 people have recovered. There were 354 new positive cases reported.

126 New Cases in Collin County

There were 126 new cases reported in Collin County, bringing the total there to 15,736. The county has also reported a total of 14,848 recoveries.

Uncertainty Surrounds COVID-19 Case Counts In Many Texas School Districts

Texas health and education agencies first released district-level coronavirus case counts two weeks ago — but they had to pull the data because it contained numerous errors.

New reports released last week hid the number of cases for any district that started the year with fewer than 50 students on campus — even though many of those districts now have more students in the classroom. That policy leaves the public in the dark about case numbers in more than 300 districts statewide, including most of the state’s large, urban school systems.

A spokesperson for the Texas Education Agency says future reports will continue to reflect enrollment numbers about a month behind the current date.

Southwest Airlines Avoids Furloughs And Layoffs, But Anticipates Pay Cuts

Unlike Fort Worth-based American Airlines, Southwest Airlines did not furlough or layoff employees when federal airline payroll support expired last week.

But the Dallas Morning News reports a video message from CEO Gary Kelly to employees yesterday said non-union workers will face 10% pay cuts beginning January 1 to avoid furloughs if Congress doesn't agree to an extension.

The Dallas-based carrier will also seek a similar cut from unions.

Southwest to date has avoided furloughs through early retirement or extended time off for employees.

But the airline's still burning through nearly $17 million a day in cash. More cost-cutting measures are planned.

Monday, Oct. 5

Dallas County Judge Says Doctors Are Seeing "An Uptick" In Case Numbers

There are 450 additional cases in the area, 50 of which are probable cases reported today. Of the 400 confirmed cases reported today, 204 came from the state’s electronic reporting system that has been experiencing a backlog.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said doctors are seeing “an uptick” in the county’s case numbers and for the surrounding counties. He urged residents to continue taking precautions:

“Doctors are now seeing an uptick in Dallas County following the uptick they saw in surrounding counties over the last several weeks. With case numbers increasing, it’s more important than ever that you wear a mask and maintain six-foot distance, wash your hands, and avoid unnecessary crowds.”

An additional death was reported today of a Grand Prairie woman in her 80s who died in a healthcare facility.

85 New Cases In Denton County

Another 85 cases in the area brings the total to 12,508. There have been 163 newly-recovered cases, increasing the countywide recovery total to 10,857.

A free drive-thru testing center will be available on October 9 at the University of North Texas’ Discovery Park at 3940 N. Elm St in Denton. Eligible community members are those who are residents of Denton County who pre-register and have not previously tested positive for COVID-19.

Pre-registration is required and appointments are available starting at 8 a.m. To pre-register, call DCPH at 940-349-2585.

Tarrant County Reports 266 New Cases

There have been 266 additional cases in the area, bringing the total to 52,366. Another two deaths were reported today, including a Fort Worth man in his 80s and a Fort Worth woman in her 50s. Both of the patients had underlying health conditions.

42 New Cases In Collin County

An additional 42 cases in the county raises the total to 15,610. There have been 14,752 people who have recovered from the virus and 152 deaths.

Southwest Cuts Over 90,000 Flights During Holiday Season

Southwest Airlines has cut more than 90,000 flights from its November and December schedule because of a decline in holiday travel demand.

The cuts amount to more than a third of the Dallas-based carrier's scheduled November flights and almost half of its December flights.

The Dallas Morning News reports airline recovery has stalled. Passenger traffic has fallen 68% from last year.

Airlines are still asking federal leaders for more aid to keep employees on payrolls for six more months.

Southwest says it won’t furlough employees this year, but it may not be able to avoid job cuts if another airline stimulus package isn't passed.

The carrier was losing about $17 million a day during the third quarter.

Collin County Election Administrator Says He’s More Concerned About Election Results Accuracy Than Rise In Absentee Ballots

With the November election less than a month away, some worry an increase in absentee ballots could cause a delay in reporting election results.

Collin County Election Administrator Bruce Sherbet told NBC-5's Lone Star Politics that won't be a problem in Texas.

He's more worried about the accuracy of results.

"We want to make sure that we've crossed T's and dotted I's and done whatever we need to do to put out accurate and compete results,” he said. “So, if it's a little bit later that should be okay. I don't think you're going to see significant delays in this state at all."

Sherbet said Texas election results should be available the morning of November 4 at the very latest.

Sunday, Oct. 4

Dallas County Reports 638 New Cases

There are 617 confirmed cases in the area and 21 additional probable cases reported today. Of the 617 confirmed cases reported today, 396 came through the state’s electronic reporting system.

Three deaths were reported today of a DeSoto woman in her 70s, a Dallas woman in her 70s and a man in his 80s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in Cedar Hill.

601 New Cases In Tarrant County

Another 601 cases in the area brings the total to 52,100. There have been 672 deaths and 44,861 people who have recovered from the virus in the area.

Collin County Reports 20 Additional Cases

There have been 20 new cases in the area, bringing the total to 15,568. A total of 14,648 people have recovered from the virus.

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

KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.