The Texas Department of State Health Services reported a record number of COVID-19 patients in the state's hospitals Sunday with 12,563. DSHS has reported record numbers of patients six of the past seven days.
Hospitals in North Texas have 3,751 COVID-19 patients using 23.91% of capacity. The Texas Department of State Health Services says hospitals in the area had 75 available ICU beds Sunday.
Tarrant County Public Health says its ICU beds are 96% full.
"We're seeing a light at the end of the tunnel," says Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley. "Let's not drop our guard now and end up making it worse before it gets better."
Texas has begun Phase 1A and 1B of vaccinations, including doctors, nurses and hospital staff; police, firefighters and paramedics; and people over the age of 65 or who have underlying health conditions.
Tarrant County has set up a website where residents can register to be notified when the vaccine is available to them HERE.
Dallas County has also set up a website where people in groups 1A and 1B can register HERE.
"We're going to look at people with the most need, the highest vulnerability," says Judge Clay Jenkins.
Dallas County reported 3,851 cases and ten deaths Sunday, covering two days including New Year's Day.
Tarrant County reported 4,367 cases and 13 deaths, also covering two days. Tarrant County has reported more than 15,000 cases over the past week.
The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 942 cases and one death in Collin County. Denton County does not report numbers on Sundays.
