Tarrant County reports 97 coronavirus cases, 2 deaths ahead of Texas gym reopenings
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Tarrant County confirmed 97 new cases of COVID-19 and two deaths Sunday, a day before more businesses like gyms and nonessential manufacturers are slated to open as a part of Texas’ gradual reopening plan.
A woman in her 80s from Keller and a man in his 70s from Fort Worth died. Both had underlying health conditions.
This brings the total number of cases to 4,447 in Tarrant County and the total number of deaths to 123. The county has reported 1,470 recoveries from the virus, but its website says not all recoveries are reported. Recoveries and deaths are included in the total number of cases.
Keller saw an increase of 14 cases between Saturday and Sunday.
In Tarrant County, men have have made up 58% of the coronavirus cases and 61% of deaths, according to data from the county.
Texas gyms will be allowed to welcome back patrons Monday in the next stage of Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to gradually reopen Texas’ economy.
Gyms will be limited to 25% capacity and come with a myriad of requirements, including the continued closure of showers and locker rooms and disinfecting equipment before and after each use.
Gyms must keep people at least 6 feet apart and customers will be required to wear gloves. Any equipment brought from home, such as yoga mats, must be disinfected before and after use.
Nonessential manufacturers must also limit their workforce to 25% capacity and provide for a 6-foot distance between workers or, if that’s not possible, use “social engineering controls” such as plexiglass between work stations.
These manufacturers will also be required to stagger shifts to prevent employees from congregating or moving through one entry or exit at the same time.
This story was originally published May 17, 2020 at 2:25 PM.