Dallas County confirms 10th death from coronavirus, as total cases near 500
Dallas County reported one death and 49 new cases of coronavirus Sunday, bringing the total number of deaths to 10 and confirmed cases to 488.
There have been at least 34 deaths and 2,552 confirmed cases statewide as of Sunday afternoon, according to the latest data available.
A woman in her 80s died of the virus. She was a resident at a long-term care facility. She had underlying conditions and had been hospitalized for the illness.
“Our seniors must be protected,” Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a news release. “We are working with senior facilities to ensure that happens. I have instructed all nursing homes with a positive case to inform all families and responsible parties immediately by phone and email. Additionally, all mentally competent residents are to be informed immediately after they wake. This includes all buildings on a campus with a positive case. They are required to show complete compliance of these notifications within six daylight hours of a positive test.”
Dallas County has seen an increase in hospitalizations due to COVID-19.
About 67 percent of hospitalizations have been patients over 60 years old or with at least one known chronic health condition. Of those admitted, 36 percent have been placed in intensive care.
Dallas County had the highest number of cases in the state.
Tarrant County reported 11 new cases Sunday.
This story was originally published March 29, 2020 at 2:03 PM.