Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins has increased the county's coronavirus threat level from "orange" to "red." The change means health officials want people to avoid leaving home except for necessary trips.
Last month, Governor Greg Abbott announced restaurants, gyms, stores, office buildings and museums could expand from 50% to 75% capacity. Jenkins says even though those businesses have expanded, all but "essential travel" should be avoided.
Wednesday, Dallas County reported 454 confirmed cases and 50 probable cases. In addition, 11 cases from September were confirmed by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Hospitalizations have increased 43% from late September.
"This is not what we wanted to see. Unfortunately, our numbers are going in the wrong direction," Jenkins says. "We need everyone to be extra careful."
The seven day average of new cases in Dallas County has increased from 346 in the week ending September 26 to 379 in the week ending October 3.
Despite an increase in cases, Jenkins says early voting is still safe.
"Voting is not affected by this because we set up the entire voting structure during 'red' for the first two elections, the primary and run-off," Jenkins says. "We assumed we'd be at 'red' throughout voting."
Jenkins did not allow bars to reopen Wednesday, the first day Governor Greg Abbott allowed counties to open bars up to 50% capacity. Collin, Denton and Tarrant Counties have allowed bars to open.
