We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date news about the coronavirus in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. Check back for updates.

Fewer coronavirus restrictions, a ‘new normal,’ could soon come to Tarrant County

Tarrant County may announce some lessening of restrictions, potentially letting some residents head back to work, by the first or second week in May.

County Judge Glen Whitley said health care and business advisers are talking about what businesses might be able to reopen on a limited basis — and how, with workers potentially wearing masks and following social distance guidelines.

“We are beginning now to think about what the new normal will be when we come back in,” Whitley said Friday, after Gov. Greg Abbott announced some steps in “reopening” Texas to business.

“My hope would be by the end of the first or second week of May, we might be able to lessen restrictions and let some” businesses reopen.

Locally, all businesses won’t open at once. And those that might reopen first could be limited on how many customers are allowed in stores — and how they are allowed to shop.

Abbott announced that schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year and state parks will reopen Monday with social distancing and mask requirements in place. Restrictions on surgeries will be loosened next week. Stores may operate “retail to go” starting April 24. And the governor plans to announce additional changes on April 27.

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price said it may be too early to think of specific dates when businesses could reopen in the city, with the continuing rise in coronavirus cases, because officials have to take both public health and the economy into consideration.

But she said she’s glad the governor acknowledged that hospitals have the capacity to handle coronavirus cases, enough to let them also handle some other medical procedures. And she’s glad he’s incorporating President Donald Trump’s guidelines and taking suggestions from local officials.

“I’m thrilled to see the dialogues happening, positive dialogues, about how can we get there, how do we decide what matrix it is and what data will give us the key to getting” to whatever the new normal is, Price said.

Abbott unveils guidelines to reopen Texas businesses; schools closed for academic year

Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled guidelines Friday for when businesses may begin to reopen their doors in the face of the novel coronavirus’ spread and announced Texas schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.

“We’re now beginning to see glimmers that the worst of COVID-19 may soon be behind us,” Abbott said Friday from the Texas Capitol, flanked by state leaders.

Abbott issued three executive orders and announced a slew of rolled back restrictions, including permitting additional surgeries, reopening state parks and allowing retail businesses to operate “to-go.”

In addition, Abbott established the “Strike Force to Open Texas” that will be a collaboration between state officials and advised by both public health experts and business leaders.

Beginning Friday, April 24, retail businesses that are not deemed “essential” by the state may allow for pickup or home delivery. They must abide by guidance issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, which requires payments be done over the phone or online, that employees be screened and have their temperature taken before entering the premises, that they wear face masks, maintain 6-feet of separation and more.

Abbott said revised guidance would be issued April 27 based on the strike force’s recommendations and how well-contained the spread of COVID-19 is in Texas.

5 Fort Worth businesses cited, accused of violating coronavirus emergency declaration

Five businesses and three residents have been issued citations and accused of violating the city’s coronavirus emergency declaration order issued in March.

A Fort Worth restaurant/bar has been issued two citations, according to city records.

Since March, along with the restaurant, two gaming businesses, a car wash and a discount furniture store have been issued citations.

Three residents who attempted to feed the homeless on city streets also were issued citations for violating the emergency declaration, according to city records.

The city and county regulations are enforceable through a $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail, but officials have said law and code enforcement officers are focused on education, not ticketing.

In all cases, authorities first have talked to a business or resident, and given them a verbal warning. After several verbal warnings, a citation is issued. The citations are heard in municipal court.

City officials did not identify the businesses that were cited.

“We don’t want to further advertise or cause harm to these small businesses,” said city spokeswoman Diane Covey in a Friday email. “Our intent is to enforce the city’s emergency declaration to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Tarrant County reports 35th coronavirus death, 20th in Fort Worth; 82 new cases

Tarrant County reported its 35th coronavirus-related death and 82 new cases on Friday.

The man was in his 80s and had underlying health conditions. He’s the 20th Fort Worth resident to die from the pandemic.

The county has confirmed 1,175 COVID-19 cases, including 35 deaths and 187 recoveries.

Among the coronavirus deaths, 15 have been white, 13 have been black, five have been Hispanic and two have been Asian/Pacific Islander. Twenty have been 65 or older, 12 have been between 45 and 65, and three have been between 25 and 44.

Dallas County reports five more coronavirus deaths, spike of 124 new cases

Dallas County reported five more coronavirus deaths and 124 new cases on Friday.

Four of the deceased were residents of Dallas and one was a resident of Farmers Branch. Two of the five patients were residents of Dallas-area long-term care facilities. There have been 55 pandemic-related deaths in Dallas County.

The ages of the latest deaths include two in their 60s, two in their 70s and one in their 80s.

The county has confirmed 2,190 COVID-19 patients, including recovered patients. The county hasn’t released patient recovery totals.

Dallas County commission scales back judge’s mask order, reopens craft stores as essential

Dallas County commissioners voted Friday to scale back County Judge Clay Jenkins’ order requiring residents to wear masks in public amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Jenkins added the face covering requirement for all residents at essential businesses or on public transportation, including workers, Thursday. It’s set to go in effect at midnight Friday.

The commissioners voted to change the order to “explicitly say that residents not in compliance won’t be fined or incur any issues with law enforcement,” according to the Dallas Morning News.

Under the order, businesses can refuse entry to people who aren’t wearing face coverings.

Commissioners also voted 3-2 to reopen craft stores such as Hobby Lobby so residents could fashion their own masks out of materials sold at those types of stores.

According to Jenkins’ amended order, Dallas County residents over the age of 2 must wear some form of covering — such as a homemade mask, scarf, bandanna or handkerchief — over their nose and mouth. The order requires residents using public transportation or visiting an essential business to wear face coverings “to the greatest extent possible.”

All non-medical employees working at essential businesses must also wear face coverings while working. Owners and operators of essential businesses “may refuse admission or service to any individual who fails to wear a face covering.”

The order does not apply to people riding in personal vehicles, engaging in outdoor activities, while eating, or in cases in which wearing a face covering would pose a greater health or safety risk.

Could coronavirus put your doctor out of business? Some in Texas cut pay, staff

North Texas hospitals are readying themselves for a potential surge in novel coronavirus patients expected by June, but private practice physicians and specialists are facing a different challenge — a steep drop in patients and a decline in revenue that may force them to make hard decisions.

Fort Worth area doctors say they’re seeing as little as half as many patients as they did before the coronavirus, but Dr. David Fleeger, president of the Texas Medical Association, said the decline could be as high as 80% for some doctors. Fear of catching the virus has kept patients from visiting their primary care physician, and local and state mandates have shuttered many specialized practices.

Across the country as many as 60,000 family practices will close or reduce business by June, according to a HealthLandscape and American Academy of Family Physicians report. That would leave roughly 800,000 of their employees without work or on reduced hours and create doctor shortages in at least 750 counties. Tarrant County wouldn’t face a shortage, according to the report, but Parker and Johnson counties would.

That’s bad news for patients, said Fleeger, as the loss of private practice doctors now jeopardizes care in the long term.

“The question will become access,” he said. “Private practice doctors spread care out over a larger geography.”

While most health care workers may be able to find jobs with large hospital networks, that care is centered in major metros, typically at hospital hubs. Rural and suburban patients may find it hard to get to the doctor. About 10% of Texas doctors work for a hospital while 34% are self-employed, according to a recent Texas Medical Association survey.

Giving back to the community that gave so much to her family, one mask at a time

When Kim Hun Nam was forced to close her tailor shop from the public because of the coronavirus pandemic, she wasn’t sure what was next.

Her store, Kim’s Professional Tailor and Alteration, is a small building in Abilene no bigger than 300 square feet. It has been open for 10 years, and she sees four or five customers a day.

However, it was deemed non-essential by the state.

But Hun Nam, mother of Arlington Lamar head boys soccer coach Sunny Soeun, had a skill useful for others as a seamstress for more than 30 years.

For the past three weeks, Hun Nam has been sewing masks for first responders in Abilene to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“It was very hard because there wasn’t enough money to pay the bills before the virus, but I’m glad I can lend a helping hand,” Hun Nam said.

Fort Worth’s ‘Cowtown Wine Dude,’ who died of coronavirus, remembered for big heart

When Nick and Lynda Sanders look at their grandchildren, they see a little bit of their son, Wade, staring back at them.

Dallas, 20, has her father’s independent streak. She’s a fighter on the soccer field, has a wealth of knowledge and has the same flair for serving others that Wade Sanders had.

Lawson, 16, took after his dad artistically and shares his sense of humor. He has a handful of guitars, plays the drums and has a deep connection with music — specifically with Stevie Ray Vaughan, where he gets his middle name.

Seeing their son reflected in their grandchildren is something the Sanderses take comfort in now.

Wade Sanders, of Fort Worth, was 48 when he died on Tuesday after becoming infected with the novel coronavirus. His family said he was also battling melanoma.

His parents were also hospitalized after contracting the coronavirus in late March. None of them know exactly how they got sick.

Lynda and Nick, who is the mayor of Trophy Club, were separated at Baylor Scott & White in Grapevine, and Wade was in a Dallas hospital after being transferred from Medical City Alliance.

“We never thought when we all had to go to the hospital that we would never all see each other again,” Lynda said.

Fort Worth, Dallas applaud coronavirus first responders and healthcare workers

Fort Worth and Dallas joined together Thursday evening to honor the frontline workers amid the coronavirus crisis.

This ovation followed in the steps of cities in this country and across the world which have honored the nurses, doctors, first responders and other essential workers battling COVID-19. In New York City, the ovations have been held each evening for weeks.

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson hosted the citywide ovations at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Price encouraged residents to step outside and for five minutes, applaud, cheer and thank workers who are in the middle of helping others during the pandemic.

Price along with Fire Chief Jim Davis, Police Chief Ed Kraus and City Manager David Cooke visited Fort Worth hospitals starting at 7 p.m.

The Fort Worth mayor asked that downtown Fort Worth be lit blue to show gratitude for first responders and healthcare workers. Downtown buildings and bridges were illuminated in blue lights. Residents also were encouraged to turn on their porch lights, and if possible, businesses were encouraged to illuminate their building in blue lights.

Where can I get tested for COVID-19? Here’s a list of sites in Tarrant County.

Coronavirus testing sites are scattered throughout Tarrant County and the city of Fort Worth is compiling a list of locations on its website.

Health officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms to contact their primary care physician. Most testing facilities require a laboratory order from a doctor to test for COVID-19.

It is recommended patients contact the testing facility beforehand to check availability. Insurance options and testing prices vary.

UrgentCare2Go, mobile, (817) 508-8169

Clinicas Mi Doctor, 4200 S. Freeway, Ste. 106, Fort Worth, (817) 566-0505

3D Healthcare, 914 Lamar, Fort Worth, 76102, (833) 219-7922

Urgent Care For Kids Alliance, 3400 Texas Sage Trail, Fort Worth, 76177, (682) 707-3765

Urgent Care For Kids Hulen, 3000 S. Hulen, #180, Fort Worth, 76109, (817) 302-9231

Urgent Care For Kids Mansfield, 2251 Matlock Rd., #103, Mansfield, 76063, (682) 518-2867

Urgent Care For Kids Arlington, 6109 S. Cooper St., Arlington, 76001, (817) 701-4050

Cura Telehealth, 5400 Risinger Road, Fort Worth, 76123, (888) 910-2872

TotalCare, 8501 Benbrook Blvd., #103, Benbroo, 76126, (817) 346-3313

City Hospital Emergency Care, 4551 Western Center Blvd., Fort Worth, 76137, (817) 644-3340

Better Faster Urgent Care, 630 N. Kimball Ave., Southlake, 76092, (817) 421-8777

Med Express Urgent Care, 3700 S. Cooper St., Arlington, 76015, (817) 419-1046

Max Health Family & Sports Internal Medicine, 5207 Heritage Ave., Colleyville, 76034, (817) 355-8000

People in Fort Worth can get help at these mobile food pantries, other events

The Tarrant Area Food Bank is gearing up for its monthly mobile food pantries, and the nonprofit says food is available for anyone who needs it.

Michael Polydoroff, director of marketing and communications for the Tarrant Area Food Bank, said the mobile pantries are held at several locations, including the Tarrant County College Northwest campus.

He said that as more people lose their jobs because of the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are seeking help from the food bank.

The food bank’s distribution is up by 65 percent each week because of the pandemic, he said.

“We’ve got the food, and that’s good news,” he said.

When people go to the mobile food pantries, volunteers will load the boxes of perishable and nonperishable foods into people’s cars.

Polydoroff also said that members of the Air National Guard are being deployed to help the food bank pack the boxes with supplies.

Here is a list of the mobile food pantries and other events taking place Friday:

Tarrant County reports 4 more coronavirus deaths, over 1,000 total cases

Tarrant County reported four more coronavirus deaths on Thursday, all men, including two in their 40s.

All four had underlying health conditions, including two residents of Fort Worth, one resident of Mansfield and one resident of rural Tarrant County. Two of the patients were in their 60s.

The county has confirmed 34 COVID-19-related deaths, including 19 in Fort Worth.

The county reported 103 new cases on Thursday, for a total of 1,093 so far, and 168 patient recoveries.

The death in Mansfield was that city’s first, according to the county’s data.

The county has yet to release new case totals as of 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

“These deaths continue to remind us that we are faced with a deadly disease,” Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja said in a news release. “As we suffer these losses we also are mindful of how important it is for us to continue our efforts to control the spread of this deadly virus.”

Dallas County adds 7 coronavirus deaths and 80 cases, will require cloth face masks

Dallas County reported seven more coronavirus deaths and 80 new cases on Thursday.

The county also announced it will start requiring visitors to essential businesses, employees of those businesses, and riders of public transportation to wear a cloth or mask to cover their faces beginning Saturday.

The seven deaths include six Dallas residents and one Garland resident, including three residents of Dallas long-term care facilities. Three were in their 80s, two were in their 60s, and two were in their 70s.

There have been a total of 2,066 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 50 deaths in the county.

“We must all limit unnecessary trips. Each trip carries some risk to you, your family, and the public at large,” Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a news release. “To better protect you and our front-line heroes, we are requiring all visitors to essential businesses, essential business employees, and riders of public transportation to wear a cloth covering starting Saturday.”

Jenkins also voiced concern over more traffic on Dallas roads. “That’s a concern,” he said. “If a few of us slack off on making good personal responsibility choices, we not only put public health at risk but are prolonging this for ourselves and everyone.”

Collin County reports 11th coronavirus death, the sixth in McKinney

Collin County confirmed its 11th coronavirus-related death and 11 new cases Thursday.

The new case was the sixth COVID-19-related death in McKinney.

The county has reported 505 pandemic patients, including 304 recoveries amid the 11 deaths. Seventeen active patients are hospitalized.

Of the total confirmed cases, 108 are in their 50s, 106 are in their 40s, 97 are in their 30s, 78 are in their 60s, and 65 are in their 20s. Twelve patients are between the ages 10 and 19, seven patients are age 9 or younger, and 23 are 70 or older.

Denton County’s 15th coronavirus death is Flower Mound man in his 60s

Denton County reported Thursday that a Flower Mound man in his 60s is its 15th coronavirus-related death.

The man had been hospitalized and contracted COVID-19 locally, according to health officials.

The county also confirmed 17 new coronavirus cases to increase the total to 564 cases, including 214 recoveries.

There have been 23 confirmed cases in Flower Mound, including one person who lives in Tarrant County and is not counted in Denton County’s total. Of the 23 cases, 15 patients have recovered.

Parker County reports 17 coronavirus cases, including first patient in Aledo

Parker County has confirmed 17 coronavirus cases, including seven recoveries.

Among the active COVID-19 patients, three are in Azle, two are in Weatherford, two are in Willow Park, and one each are in Aledo, Reno, and Poolville.

Among the 17 total confirmed COVID-19 cases, six patients have been in their 60s, four in their 30s, two in their 50s and 40s, and one each in their 70s, 80s and 20s.

All 10 active patients are in home isolation. The county has reported 195 negative tests and 17 tests are pending results.

Johnson County adds coronavirus cases in Cleburne, Alvarado and Mansfield

Johnson County added four new coronavirus cases Thursday for a total of 44.

The new cases include one each in Cleburne, Alvarado, Mansfield and unincorporated Johnson County.

The county has COVID-19 cases in seven cities, plus rural areas, including 20 in Burleson, seven in Cleburne, two each in Mansfield and Alvarado, and one each in Keene, Venus and Joshua. Ten patients are in unincorporated areas. Burleson has an additional pandemic patient who resides in Tarrant County and is not part of Johnson’s total.

The county’s total case number includes recoveries, including at least four in Cleburne, three in Burleson, and one in Mansfield. The county is not providing updated recovery totals.

Wise County reports first coronavirus-related death

Wise County reported its first coronavirus death late Wednesday night.

There have been seven confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county, including one recovery.

There were no details released on the death.

There have been 655 tests given, including 535 negative results and 106 pending, and seven inconclusive.

“Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of this individual,” Wise County Emergency Management Coordinator Cody Powell said in a release. “We are sorry for your loss and pray for healing during this difficult time.”

There have been confirmed patients in five zip codes in the county, including two in 76234 (which includes Decatur) and two in 76431 (which includes Chico). Other cases are confirmed in 76073 (Paradise area), 76078 (Rhome area) and 76426 (Bridgeport area).

Granger named to congressional task force advising Trump on reopening economy

U.S. Rep. Kay Granger is one of five members of Texas’ congressional delegation tapped to serve on President Trump’s bipartisan task force that will advise him on how to reopen the economy that has been hard hit by the novel coronavirus’ spread.

Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn are also part of the “Opening Up America Again Congressional Group” announced Thursday, in addition to Reps. Kevin Brady, a Republican, and Henry Cuellar, a Democrat.

Granger serves as the top Republican member on the Appropriations Committee, which oversees federal spending, and has been central to Congress’s efforts in passing stimulus packages.

In a statement Thursday night, Granger said she’s honored to serve on the the task force and that it’s necessary to also address the country’s economic health.

“I completely agree with the decision to fight COVID-19 by requiring people to isolate, as we battle what the President calls the ‘silent enemy’. But we knew when this began that we faced two threats: to our health and our economy,” Granger said. “Having been a small business owner myself, I support that we have provided $349 billion in loans to small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program, but that is just a start. We need to look at all markets and parts of our economy as we become ready for recovery.”

Louis Vuitton plans to start making masks, including at workshop near Fort Worth

Purses and luggage are on hold for now.

Louis Vuitton plans to start making face masks geared to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Company officials announced Thursday that Louis Vuitton manufacturing workshops in the United States — including the one in Johnson County — will start making the masks this week and next week.

Other workshops are in New Jersey and California.

Artisans at the workshops will work to create cotton, non-surgical masks that can be washed, reused and adjusted, according to a press release from the company.

Workers will follow social distancing and any other guidelines put in place by officials while they work to make “hundreds of thousands” of these masks.

“Masks will be donated and distributed in states currently most heavily impacted by COVID-19 and Louis Vuitton will partner with local organizations in each state leading the COVID-19 response effort,” the release stated.

As coronavirus rages, a Fort Worth-based gun shop is accused of price gouging

Gerald Cathey wanted to stock up on ammunition when the novel coronavirus began to spread across Texas.

So the 49-year-old River Oaks man began looking online at gun and ammo shops.

When he looked at the website for Fort Worth-based Cheaper Than Dirt, he said prices for ammunition were three times the normal market price.

So he filed a price-gouging complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s office.

He wasn’t alone.

Throughout Texas, 123 complaints have been filed against Cheaper Than Dirt since Gov. Greg Abbott declared a statewide emergency on March 13, said Kayleigh Date, a spokeswoman with the AG’s office.

There were 158 cases of price gouging filed against businesses in Tarrant County between March 17-24, according to documents obtained by the Star-Telegram through open records request. Thirty of those complaints were against the online retailer Cheaper Than Dirt, which received more complaints in Tarrant County than any other company. Many of those complaints were filed from people who don’t live in Texas.

“It is important to note that these complaints do not necessarily reflect a legal determination by our office,” Date said, adding that investigations are confidential.

Surprise delivery: Arlington shop gives local restaurants free take-out banners

Arlington residents venturing out of their homes amid the coronavirus pandemic might notice a common trait among locally owned restaurants: a banner advertising take-out.

The banners were delivered to restaurants like The Tin Cup, Bethany Cafe, Panda House, NAMOO Korean Bowl and a handful of others as a free surprise from Main Street Signs and Graphics, another local Arlington business. None of the businesses requested the signs, Main Street Signs and Graphics general manager Angel Rivera said.

The banners aren’t particularly large or flashy, but The Tin Cup owner Damon Carney said they’ve been a blessing.

“It’s really amazing to see one local business in Arlington, our neighbor, go out of their way to help out the other little guys,” Carney said. “They really want to see us small mom and pop shops here in Arlington survive this and I think that’s just fantastic what they’re doing.”

This story was originally published April 17, 2020 at 5:00 AM.