Dallas County Reports 789 Additional Positive 2019 Novel Coronavirus Cases- July 28

From City of Coppell:

As of 11:00am July 28, 2020, Dallas County Health and Human Services is reporting 789 additional confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total confirmed case count in Dallas County to 48,028, including 622 confirmed deaths.

· The additional 15 deaths being reported today include:

- A man in his 50's who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He was found deceased at home, and did not have underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 50'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 50's who was a resident of the City of Lancaster. He had been critically ill in an area hospital.

- A man in his 60'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 woman in her 60's who was a resident of the City of Irving. She 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 woman in her 70's who was a resident of the City of Mesquite. She had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 70's who was an inmate of a correctional facility in the City of Seagoville. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, and did not have underlying high risk health conditions.

- A woman in her 80's who was a resident of the City of Irving. She had been critically ill in an area hospital, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 80's who was a resident of the City of Richardson. He had been hospitalized, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A woman in her 80'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.

- A man in his 90's who was a resident of the City of Grand Prairie. He had been hospitalized, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 90's who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of DeSoto. He had been critically ill in an area hospital, 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 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 expired in the facility, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

Over 1,800 children under 18 years of age have been diagnosed with confirmed COVID‐19 since July 1st, including 38 children who have been hospitalized for COVID‐19 and 4 admitted to intensive care units. 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 22% of symptomatic patients presenting to area hospitals testing positive in week 29. 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 622 confirmed 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 697 people in acute care for the period ending Monday, July 27. Additionally, the number of emergency room visits for COVID-19 like symptoms in Dallas County was 425 in the 24 hour period ending Monday, July 27, which represents around 22 percent of all emergency department visits in the county according to information reported to the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council. These numbers are still very elevated but not increasing.

"Today's numbers, while higher than yesterday, continue the trend of being lower than we saw two weeks ago. In looking at the numbers, it's important to focus not on the daily numbers but on the seven day and fourteen day rolling averages. If you continue to wear your mask around people outside your household, maintain six foot distancing from people outside your household, limit trips to necessities only and use good hygiene, we will see the numbers go down. I know it's hot and the mask can be uncomfortable at times, but it's a small price to pay to keep us safe, strengthen our economy and get our kids back to school. The decisions each of us make have a big impact on the numbers and all of us have an important role to play in controlling the spread of COVID-19. For detailed information about what activities doctors recommend you avoid and what activities you can participate in and how best to do it, go to www.DallasCountyCOVID.org," 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:

• Avoid close contact outside your home: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don't live in your household.
• 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.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to seek medical care
• 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.
• 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 daily 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. Immediately wash your hands.
• 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:

• 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.