Dallas County Reports 1,027 Additional Positive 2019 Novel Coronavirus Cases- July 16

From City of Coppell:

As of 11:00am July 16, 2020, Dallas County Health and Human Services is reporting 1,027 additional positive cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total case count in Dallas County to 37,996, including 501 deaths.

The additional 16 deaths being reported today include:

- A man in his 30's who was a resident of the City of Grand Prairie. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 40's who was a resident of the City of Mesquite. He expired in an area hospital ED, and did not have underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 40's who was a resident of the City of Garland. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 50's who was a resident of the City of Irving. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 60's who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 60's who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and did not have underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 60's who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 60's who was a resident of the City of Irving. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 70's who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 70's who was a resident of the City of Lancaster. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A woman in her 70's who was a resident of the City of Grand Prairie. She had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 70's who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been hospitalized.

- A man in his 70's who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Cedar Hill. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A woman in her 80's who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas. She expired in the facility, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A woman in her 90's who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas. She had been hospitalized, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A woman in her 90's who was a resident of the City of Dallas. She had been hospitalized, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

An increasing proportion of COVID-19 cases in Dallas County are being diagnosed in young adults between 18 to 39 years of age, such that of all cases reported after June 1st, half have been in this age group. Reports of cases are continuing to be associated with multiple large recreational and social gatherings since the beginning of June. Of the cases requiring hospitalization to date, more than two-thirds have been under 65 years of age. Diabetes has been an underlying high-risk health condition reported in about a third of all hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 was 30% among symptomatic patients presenting to area hospitals in week 27. Of cases requiring hospitalization who reported employment, over 80% have been critical infrastructure workers, with a broad range of affected occupational sectors, including: healthcare, transportation, food and agriculture, public works, finance, communications, clergy, first responders and other essential functions.

Of the 501 total deaths reported to date, about a third have been associated with long-term care facilities. New cases are being reported as a daily aggregate, with a more detailed summary report updated Tuesdays and Fridays.

Local health experts use hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and ER visits as three of the key indicators in determining the COVID-19 Risk Level (color-coded risk) and corresponding guidelines for activities during our COVID-19 response. We continue to see high numbers of COVID-19 patients in Dallas County with 805 people in acute care for the period ending Wednesday, July 15. Additionally, the number of emergency room visits for COVID-19 like symptoms in Dallas County was 796 in the 24 hour period ending Wednesday, July 15, which represents 33 percent of all emergency department visits in the county according to information reported to the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council. These numbers show close to record high numbers of patients in Dallas County facilities. You can find additional information on risk-level monitoring data here.

"Today we're again reporting over 1,000 new cases, for the 14th day in a row, another 16 lives lost to COVID-19, and we also have a near record high number of individuals currently hospitalized for COVID-19. There continues to be rampant community spread in Dallas County. I know this summer looks different than what we all imagined months ago and there's uncertainty as to what our community and daily life will look like going forward. Please know that we are working hard and following the advice of the medical and public health experts so that we can keep our economy moving and keep as many people as healthy as possible. But we all must do our part. I ask that you please wear your mask when around others outside your household, and even when wearing your mask, maintain six foot distancing as well. Together, we'll get through this," said Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.

All Dallas County COVID-19 Updates and Information can be found here: https://www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/ and all guidance documents can be found here: https://www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/guidance-health.php

Specific Guidance for the Public:

• Dallas County COVID-19 Related Health Guidance for the Public
• Dallas County Measures for Protecting An Institution's Workforce from COVID-19 Infection: Employer/Employee Guidance
• Dallas County Guidance for Individuals at High-Risk for Severe COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Stay home when you are sick, except to seek medical care
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and help young children to do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-base hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve, not your hands.

Additional information is available at the following websites:

• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• CDC Travel Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
• DSHS: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
• DCHHS: https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/2019-novel-coronavirus.php

This press release was produced by City of Coppell. The views expressed here are the author’s own.