Coronavirus live updates June 4: Here’s what to know in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
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.
Abbott says businesses can operate at 50% capacity, theme parks can reopen amid COVID
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that nearly all businesses may increase their capacity to 50% amid the novel coronavirus’ outbreak, with even larger crowds allowed by the end of the month.
Effective immediately, all businesses operating at 25% capacity may double their capacity to 50%, “with very limited exceptions,” according to a news release. That includes bars as a long as patrons are seated.
Restaurants, which were already permitted to operate at 50% capacity, can also immediately increase their maximum table size from six people to 10. Starting June 12, restaurants can increase their occupancy levels to 75% capacity.
Amusement parks and carnivals may also reopen at limited capacity in counties with less than 1,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and starting June 19 may also operate at 50% capacity in the remaining counties that have more cases.
Professional sports leagues, college sports and “similar sporting events” may also have fans in the stands up to 50% of the capacity for both outdoor and indoor venues, according to Wednesday’s executive order. Previously, spectators were only permitted at outdoor events up to 25% of the venue’s capacity for professional sports leagues.
COVID-19 cases over time
Coronavirus daily case counts over time by local counties in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex. Tap the arrow button to replay the animation. Data provided by Texas Health and Human Services and local counties.
Sports venues can open to 50% capacity. What does that mean for Texas teams, events?
Texas college sports programs appear to a major beneficiary from Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision Wednesday to expand capacity for sports venues, including indoor arenas, to 50 percent capacity.
The mandate, part of the third phase of the governor’s task force’s plan to reopen the state, also applies to professional sports leagues, whose seasons are either on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic or are in the offseason.
Sports leagues must first approve a safety plan to the state for approval to hold events, and players and fans must follow state guidelines.
While this would appear to give the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros an avenue to allowing fans should there be a 2020 MLB season, the league and players association do not plan to initially allow fans to their games.
The Dallas Stars will also resume their season without fans, according to the NHL’s return-to-play plan, and the Dallas Mavericks will be among the NBA teams that resume their season in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., without fans.
Tarrant County reports 1 death, 138 new coronavirus cases — the most in over a week
Tarrant County reported 138 new coronavirus cases and one death on Wednesday.
The latest death is a Fort Worth woman in her 80s with underlying health conditions.
The 138 new cases are the most reported by the county since 141 on May 26, according to a chart that tracks cases by report date.
A separate chart on the county’s website tracks cases by the specimen collection date for positive tests. For example, that charts show one of the most recent spikes was 158 positive tests collected on May 8.
Tarrant County has confirmed a total of 5,761 COVID-19 cases, including 168 deaths and 2,420 recoveries.
Of the total pandemic deaths in the county, 102 have been Fort Worth residents.
Dallas County reports more than 200 new coronavirus cases for 7th consecutive day
Dallas County reported 239 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, the seventh consecutive day with more than 200 cases.
Four additional COVID-19 deaths were also reported, including a Lancaster man in his 40s, a Dallas man and woman in their 50s and a Dallas woman over 100. The Dallas woman in her 50s was the only one who did not have underlying health conditions.
The county has seen a total of 10,958 cases during the pandemic, including 249 deaths.
“Today’s numbers add to a week that appears to be a significant increase from last week for both cases reported and deaths,” Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a release and on social media. “We have not seen any decline yet, much less a 14-day decline in those numbers.”
Specifically, according to Jenkins, the county has not seen a decrease in the indicators most valued by health officials, which includes ICU admissions, ER visits and deaths.
“It’s becoming increasingly apparent to scientists that the wearing of masks when out in public is having a positive impact on the coronavirus and should be encouraged in anyone who is able to wear a mask and is over 2 years of age,” Jenkins said. “It is not recommended that children under 2 years of age wear a mask or people who have severe breathing difficulties. “
This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 5:00 AM.