Dallas County Reports Record Number Of New Cases With 1,267 Additional Positive 2019 Novel Coronavirus Cases- July 25

From City of Coppell:

As of 11:00am July 25, 2020, Dallas County Health and Human Services is reporting 1,267 additional confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total confirmed case count in Dallas County to 46,013, including 604 confirmed deaths.

The additional deaths being reported today include:

- A man in his 30's who was a resident of the City of Dallas. He had been hospitalized, and had underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 40's who was a resident of the City of Duncanville. He had been critically ill in an area hospital.

- 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 a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas. He expired in the facility, 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.

- A man in his 60'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 man in his 60'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 man in his 60'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 did not have underlying high risk health conditions.

- 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 man in his 70'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 70's who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas. He expired in the facility, and did not have underlying high risk health conditions.

- A woman in her 70's who was a resident of the City of DeSoto. 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 Garland. 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 a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas. She expired in the facility, and did not have underlying high risk health conditions.

- A man in his 70's who was a resident of the City of Mesquite. He had been hospitalized, and did not have 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 80'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 did not have underlying high risk health conditions.

There have been over 98 confirmed COVID-19 cases in children and staff reported from 65 separate daycares in Dallas County since June 1st, including 3 staff members requiring hospitalization. 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 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 604 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.

Due to reporting changes implemented by Health and Human Services and the Texas Department of State Health Services, we've been advised that detailed bed census information reported to the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council will be unavailable for the next few days.

"Today is our highest day for reported new cases. Additionally, the 18 deaths reported today make this the deadliest week thus far in the outbreak. We will see improvements if we continue to wear our masks whenever outside our home and if we avoid unnecessary trips and any establishment where a mask cannot be worn one hundred percent of the time. This includes in-restaurant dining; however, our restaurants are at a critical point. With PPP having run out and most people following the health advice and not eating in dining rooms, restaurant revenues are dropping off. If you're able, please order take-out and delivery from our restaurants to support them and the people that they employ.

I know today's numbers are disappointing but if we continue to do what science tells us is necessary to keep ourselves safe, we'll see benefits. I again call on Governor Abbott to listen to the advice that doctors have given for the last month to close all businesses where masks cannot be worn one hundred percent of the time, including: in-restaurant dining, youth sports, community pools, high-intensity workout classes, gyms, cigar bars, day camps, arcades, movie theaters, bowling alleys, amusement parks, concert venues, sporting arenas, group weddings or other large events or any other venue where there are high-touch surfaces and masks cannot be worn at all times," 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.