The State of Texas and Dallas County are reporting record numbers of COVID-19 patients. The Department of State Health Services says hospitals across Texas had 13,784 COVID-19 patients Thursday, 156 more than the day before and 1,303 more than January 1.
In North Texas, hospitals in the 19 county region had 4,058 patients using 24.92% of capacity. Dallas County reported a record number of patients in acute care Thursday with 1,166.
"January and February are modeled to be our worst months for COVID positive cases and deaths assuming that the population continues to make good choices and avoid crowds throughout that time and in the following months," Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins wrote in a statement. "If we’ll do that, we’ll begin to see the benefits of the people who have been vaccinated thus far, both in the capacity of our healthcare heroes to be at work and not be sick with COVID and with our most at risk residents being protected from COVID. We’ll continue to improve and get back to our pre-COVID activities, but it takes all of us making good, smart decisions to make that happen by wearing your mask, washing your hands and avoiding crowds."
Next week, Dallas County Health and Human Services plans to open a vaccine "mega center" at Fair Park. Dallas County expects the Department of State Health Services to provide 2,000 vaccinations per day.
The vaccine will only be available to people in "Phase 1A" and "1B," including healthcare workers, first responders, people over 65 and those with chronic underlying conditions. Details on how to register for the vaccine are available here.
Dallas County also reported 2,590 confirmed and probable cases Thursday and 20 deaths.
"One notable death [Thursday] is a man in his 30’s who had been ill in an area hospital with COVID but had no underlying high-risk health conditions," Jenkins says. "This is a somber reminder that COVID can strike everyone and can cause grave illness and potentially death to anyone."
Tarrant County also reported a record 1,528 COVID-19 patients Thursday, using 30% of capacity. ICU beds were 96% full. Tarrant County reported 2,444 cases and 15 deaths. Tarrant County residents can register to be notified about vaccine availability, click here.
Denton County reported 690 cases and four deaths. Denton County Public Health has ended pre-registration for the vaccine until an additional shipment arrives. Residents can learn more online by clicking here.
The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 892 cases and nine deaths in Collin County. Collin County residents can register for the COVID-19 vaccine online.