Judge asks Abbott to close slew of businesses as Dallas County reports 12 COVID deaths
Dallas County reported 648 new coronavirus cases and 12 deaths on Thursday.
The latest deaths, which follow Wednesday’s single-day record 30, include 10 Dallas residents, and one each in Richardson and Rowlett.
Among the 12 latest COVID-19 deaths, the ages include a man in his 30s, five men in their 60s, women in their 70s and 80s, a man in his 80s, and two women and a man in their 90s. Three of the 12 patients did not have underlying health conditions, including two women in their 90s and a man in his 60s. Four of the patients were residents of long-term care facilities.
Dallas County has confirmed a total of 44,087 COVID-19 cases, including 579 deaths.
The county reported fewer than 1,000 new coronavirus cases for the third consecutive day after 18 consecutive days with more than 1,000 new cases.
“It’s still a little too early to call this a trend but I’m encouraged by the lowering of the number of new cases,” Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said in news release and an on social media.
Jenkins called for Gov. Greg Abbott to close businesses where face covering can’t be worn at all times, including topless bars and cigar bars.
“In the time of COVID-19, there is no reason that traditional bars to be closed but topless bars and cigar bars to remain open,” he said. “The doctors and I strongly recommend that you avoid participating in activities where masks cannot be worn 100% of the time by everyone there, such as in-restaurant dining, youth sports, community pools, high-intensity workout classes, gyms, day camps, arcades, movie theaters, bowling alleys, amusement parks, concert venues, sporting arenas, group weddings, or other large events.”
Estimated active cases over time
Coronavirus daily active case estimates by local counties in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex, beginning April 8, 2020. Data provided by Texas Health and Human Services.
