Dallas County Reports 422 Additional Positive 2019 Novel Coronavirus Cases- August 07

From City of Coppell:

As of 11:00am August 7, 2020, Dallas County Health and Human Services is reporting 422 additional confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total confirmed case count in Dallas County to 53,291, including 746 confirmed deaths. An additional 167 probable cases of COVID-19 have been reported since yesterday, bringing the total probable case count in Dallas to 2,029, including 5 probable deaths from COVID-19.

The additional 10 confirmed deaths being reported today include:

1. A man in his 60's who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been hospitalized, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
2. A man in his 60's who was a resident of the City of Balch Springs. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
3. A man in his 60's who was a resident of the City of Richardson. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
4. 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.
5. A woman in her 70's who was a resident of the City of Farmers Branch. She had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
6. A woman in her 70's who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas. She had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
7. A woman in her 70'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.
8. A woman in her 70's who was a resident of the City of Dallas. She had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
9. A man in his 80's who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas. He had been hospitalized, and had underlying high risk health conditions.
10. A woman in her 80's who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas. She had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

Over 2,514 children under 18 years of age have been diagnosed with confirmed COVID-19 since July 1st, including 61 children who have been hospitalized for COVID-19. Of all confirmed 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 remains high, with about 15.9% of symptomatic patients presenting to area hospitals testing positive in week 30. Of the total confirmed deaths reported to date, about 28% 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. Friday's report is attached.

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 elevated numbers of COVID-19 patients in Dallas County with 630 people in acute care for the period ending Thursday, August 6. Additionally, the number of emergency room visits for COVID-19 like symptoms in Dallas County was 459 in the 24 hour period ending Thursday, August 6, which represents around 21 percent of all emergency department visits in the county according to information reported to the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council. You can find additional information on risk-level monitoring data here.

"We continue to see benefits from wearing masks. Unfortunately, today we had 10 confirmed deaths which is a somber reminder of the seriousness of COVID-19 and the need for us to continue to wear masks, maintain six foot distance, use frequent hand washing, avoid unnecessary trips outside the home, and avoid completely going to areas where masks cannot be worn one hundred percent of the time. If we continue to stay on the course that we're on with masking and good decision making, I believe we can continue to see a decline that will get less people sick, keep more businesses open and get our kids back to school and activities sooner rather than later," 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:

1. Dallas County COVID-19 Related Health Guidance for the Public
2. Dallas County Measures for Protecting An Institution's Workforce from COVID-19 Infection: Employer/Employee Guidance
3. 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:

1. Avoid close contact outside your home: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don't live in your household.
2. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others and continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
3. Stay home when you are sick, except to seek medical care
4. Wash your hands often and 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.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
6. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
7. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
8. 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. Immediately wash your hands.
9. Monitor your health daily. Be alert for symptoms. Take your temperature and follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

Additional information is available at the following websites:

1. CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
2. CDC Travel Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
3. DSHS: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
4. 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.