Hospitalizations In Dallas County Reach A New High, The Virus Didn’t Seem To Deter Fourth of July Spectators And Much More.

Fireworks weren’t the only thing popping off this weekend, as a fair amount of coronavirus updates have unfolded since our last check in.

Let’s take a look at some recent developments in North Texas you might have missed:

  • On Monday, Dallas reached 1,214 additional cases, bringing the total to 27,054 cases in the county. Hospitalizations also increased by 16%, the highest rate thus far. Dallas set yet another record-high in new cases on Monday. Clay Jenkins compared hospitalization rates to the tip of an iceberg, with the worst yet to come. Jenkins sent a letter to to Gov. Greg Abbott, urging him to follow the latest recommendations from experts, including suggestions for residents to avoid businesses where social distancing cannot be achieved.

    • Fourth of July celebrations continued around North Texas with little effort to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Nothing says “USA!” more than eager Independence Day patrons who celebrated freedom with lakeshore gatherings. Without masks. In the middle of a global pandemic. Local and state officials are concerned about another large spike in cases which could be “catastrophic” for local hospitals. 
    • Greg Abbott is being sued once again. This time for mandating face masks statewide. An attempt is being made to block the new executive order that requires face masks in public spaces in Texas under the premise that it is unconstitutional. Jared Woodfill, a Houston attorney, has fought Gov. Abbott’s executive orders before, including the most recent case where he shut down all Texas bars last week. 
    • DART joins the ranks of transportation services that will require face masks for all passengers. DART made the announcement in accordance with Gov. Abbott’s face mask mandate. Use of masks was only recommended previously, since DART serves counties that have not required face masks. More information on this requirement and other safety guidelines can be found on the department’s website.
    • Dallas renters who could not pay July rent until can breathe a sigh of relief as new eviction hearings are delayed. On Thursday, Clay Jenkins and the Dallas County judges agreed to pass a moratorium delaying new eviction hearings. This comes after Jekins requested a statewide moratorium that was denied by Gov. Abbott. That said, any currently open cases can still be processed.
    • Parkland Hospital has opened three temporary walk-in clinics for Dallas residents to expand testing capabilities.  One location will only be open till the end of the week while the remaining two shall be open until the end of the month. Appointments are not required.

  • Plano will host a free one-day, drive-through testing center on Wednesday, July 8 for residents 50 years old and over. The testing will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Older Adults. Appointments can be made here. 
  • Another free pop-up testing site will be available in a Fort Worth. The city announced a three-day walk-up site will be available on July 6-8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Maude I. Logan Elementary School. No appointments are necessary but patients do need a cell phone to receive their results.
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