Dallas County preparing report on school return as high COVID cases, deaths persist
Dallas County reported 885 new coronavirus cases and nine deaths on Friday.
The county has confirmed a total of 57,313 COVID-19 cases, including 816 deaths.
Among the latest deaths are a Duncanville woman in her 30s, a Seagoville woman in her 40s, and a Garland woman in her 50s. Each had underlying health conditions, according to officials.
Others were three residents in their 60s, including a Dallas man who did not have underlying health conditions, a DeSoto man, and a Duncanville woman. Also deceased are a Dallas woman in her 70s, a Cedar Hill woman in her 70s who was a resident of a long-term care facility, and a Dallas woman in her 80s who was a resident of a long-term care facility and did not have underlying health conditions.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a news release and on social media that he expects the county’s coronavirus health committee to report next week its recommendations on students returning to schools.
“Teams are working very hard to prepare for getting you the information you need to make a good decision on school,” Jenkins said. “We do not know at this point what the recommendations will be as to either the timing of return or the protocols for return, but know that it has the full attention of everyone and is the top priority for us at the moment.”
Jenkins urged residents to continue wearing face coverings and to social distance when in public to help slow the pandemic. He also asked residents to check that the masks they are using are 100% effective. He also reminded residents that face coverings aren’t a substitute for social distancing.
“Check your mask to see if it’s ill-fitting. If it is, modify it so that it covers you mouth and nose securely,” he said. “New studies have indicated that the most effective masks are the inexpensive paper surgical masks that are readily available. The second most effective are the cloth masks.”
Jenkins said studies have shown that bandannas don’t work and neck gaiters “may do more harm than good.”
“This style is popular with children, so as we return to school, we need to get the word out as to which masks are most effective,” he said.
