Hospitalizations from COVID-19 have reached another record. Tuesday, the Department of State Health Services said hospitals in North Texas had 2,787 COVID-19 patients, an increase of 113 from Monday and 352 more than the beginning of December.
COVID-19 patients were using 17.92% of capacity in the region. Hospitals had just 63 available ICU beds Tuesday, 13 fewer than Monday.
Dallas County reported 1,947 confirmed and probable cases Tuesday and six deaths. Judge Clay Jenkins says the Pfizer vaccine has arrived at more hospitals in the area, but "it will still be some time" before it is widely available to the public.
"We must all use the tools available to us during this time of high spread and throughout this holiday season and New Year until the vaccine is widely administered and able to do its effect. The two biggest tools we have at our disposal are our masks, which the CDC advises should always be worn indoors when in buildings other than your own home and around other people in stationary outdoor settings as well. The other tool at our disposal is the vaccine of our patriotism and smart decision-making. Now nearly a year into the COVID worldwide pandemic, doctors and scientists know a great deal about how we can keep safe and the facts are clear: avoiding crowds and forgoing get-togethers is the best way to keep yourself, your family, your community and your country strong at this time of high spread," Jenkins wrote in a statement.
Tarrant County reported 1,544 cases and 12 deaths. Judge Glen Whitley says the county will be starting a social media campaign as the vaccine is more widely available to show people it is safe.
"I think there is so much misinformation out there," Whitley says. "I think we need to let the public know doctors are 100 percent behind this."
Denton County reported 863 cases and two deaths Tuesday. The state reported 654 cases and two deaths in Collin County.
