Hospitalizations from COVID-19 have now dropped below 15% of total capacity across North Texas. Bars had to close last week and restaurants, gyms and stores were limited to 50% capacity after COVID-19 patients used more than 15% of hospital capacity seven straight days.
Sunday, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported 2,365 COVID-19 patients at hospitals in North Texas, down from 2,435 December 1. Those patients used 14.82% of capacity, the second straight day the Metroplex was below 15%.
If North Texas stays below 15% seven straight days, restrictions would be eased.
Despite the drop in total COVID-19 hospitalizations, fewer ICU beds were available Sunday than at the beginning of the month, dropping from 117 December 1 to 84 Sunday.
At the beginning of December, another hospital opened in North Texas. Texas Health Mansfield has 59 beds and can expand to 95.
President and Chief Executive Kenneth Rose says Texas Health Mansfield has seen a total of 20 patients since opening, including three people with COVID-19.
"We've been very fortunate in our first few days of opening, we've had a very small number of COVID-positive patients, but we are always ready because we know it could change in an instant," he says.
Rose says Texas Health Mansfield has the ability to dedicate two units, each with 12 beds, to COVID-19 patients if necessary.
Dallas County reported 1,852 cases of COVID-19 Sunday, including 65 probable cases. Dallas County also reported three deaths.
Tarrant County reported 1,535 cases and two deaths. Collin County reported 692 cases and no deaths.
Denton County does not report numbers on Sundays.
Across Texas, 8,436 cases were announced Sunday. Hospitalizations have dropped state-wide, as well, from 9,151 last Thursday to 8,916 Sunday.
