Dallas County judge hopes to begin coronavirus tests for protesters as cases hit high
Dallas County reported a single-day high 285 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, the sharpest evidence yet of a potential resurgence in North Texas.
It’s the eighth consecutive day the county has reported more than 200 new COVID-19 cases after a five-day stretch almost two weeks ago when new cases remained under 200.
The latest death was a DeSoto man in his 60s who had underlying health conditions.
The previous single-day high for new cases was 253 on both May 5 and May 11.
The county has confirmed 11,243 COVID-19 cases, including 250 deaths.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins cautioned residents taking part in the ongoing social justice protests to be extra mindful of the social distancing guidelines. Jenkins hopes to implement COVID-19 testing for protesters as soon as possible.
“I’m very concerned about the health of our peaceful protesters and their families,” Jenkins said in a release and on social media. “They’ve been protesting for several days now and large gatherings are definitely not recommended by public health experts at this time.
“I do understand the importance of the quintessential American right of free speech and particularly with this important issue at this critical time in our country’s history. We’re going to do everything we can to keep the protesters safe and to that end, I want to see the protesters have the opportunity to get tested as soon as possible.”
Jenkins urged residents to continue wearing face coverings when they go out.
“It’s particularly important that you avoid crowds at this time, maintain 6 foot distancing and wear a cloth face covering when on public transportation or at businesses, plus exercise good hygiene and wash your hands frequently,” he said. “Carry hand sanitizer when you don’t have the ability to wash frequently, particularly if you’re going to a gathering with people outside your home.”
Jenkins said scientific studies recently show that face coverings are more beneficial “both to you and those around you than originally thought and there’s growing evidence that they’re more protective than we thought even last month.”
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.
This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 3:35 PM.
