Coronavirus live updates Aug. 28: 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.
As TCU COVID cases hit 360, school says it will continue in-person classes — for now
As the number of active coronavirus cases at TCU has jumped to more than 350 over the past week, the university has announced no plans to halt in-person classes but is trying to reassure concerned citizens of its dedication to mitigation efforts.
There were only 55 active cases at the school one week ago, on Aug. 20, according to its coronavirus dashboard updated daily. That total went to 177 by Tuesday, and there was an increase of 80 cases on Wednesday that brought the total to 257. As of Thursday, there were 357 cases among students and three among employees.
There have been 641 total cases since March, per the dashboard.
As the number of active coronavirus cases at TCU has jumped to more than 350 over the past week, the university has announced no plans to halt in-person classes but is trying to reassure concerned citizens of its dedication to mitigation efforts.
There were only 55 active cases at the school one week ago, on Aug. 20, according to its coronavirus dashboard updated daily. That total went to 177 by Tuesday, and there was an increase of 80 cases on Wednesday that brought the total to 257. As of Thursday, there were 357 cases among students and three among employees.
There have been 641 total cases since March, per the dashboard.
There was no mention in the statement of reverting to online classes only, as many colleges across the country have done in the wake of outbreaks.
“We identify positive cases that are connected by events, organizations or frequent close contact through contact tracing,” Cavins-Tull said in the statement. “Our plan takes an aggressive stance on prevention measures by asking our community to be tested, take classes online and quarantine or isolate as necessary.”
She added TCU’s reporting on COVID-19 numbers has been “consistent and transparent” since the beginning of the pandemic and the university’s goal is “to keep our students, faculty and staff safe.”
Texas bars tired of governor’s coronavirus shutdown order to open in protest Saturday
Once again, bar owners across Texas feel they have no choice but to oppose the state and reopen. But this time, owners say they’ll stay open for good.
On Saturday, bar owners across Texas led by Chris Polone, owner of the Rail Club Live in Fort Worth, will defy Gov. Greg Abbott’s June 26 executive order that shut down bars to control the spread of COVID-19.
The event dubbed Come and Take It will kick off at 6 p.m. Polone said he expects about 1,000 bars to participate.
Bar owners across the state also opened up a month ago for one day during Freedom Fest, an event that was meant to show that bars could open up safely just like restaurants and how owners believed Abbott’s order was unfair. Polone asked why eating wings while drinking a beer stops COVID-19.
What’s enraged Polone and others is that Abbott gave his blessing to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to go ahead and open AT&T Stadium to fans. Jones has not revealed how many fans will be allowed, but wants fans in the stadium.
Polone said he has no other choice. The closures of bars has left him and others with no income and struggling to make ends meet. Tarrant County bars participating Saturday include the Rail Club Live, G Willickers Pub in Arlington and Cooter Brown’s in Burleson.
Like at Freedom Fest, bars will follow strict safety guidelines such as taking temperatures before customers enter, maintaining social distancing, requiring face coverings and having hand sanitizer available.
Tarrant County reports 247 coronavirus cases; 6 of 9 new deaths are in Arlington
Tarrant County reported nine coronavirus deaths and 247 cases on Thursday.
The latest pandemic-related deaths include six from Arlington, including two men in their 50s, one in his 70s, one in his 80s, and two women in their 60s and 90s. The others include a Euless woman in her 80s, a Grand Prairie man in his 80s, and a Mansfield woman in her 90s.
All had underlying health conditions, according to officials.
Tarrant County has reported a total of 40,777 COVID-19 cases, including 532 deaths and an estimated 34,316 recoveries.
Confirmed COVID hospitalizations dropped to 5% of all available beds in the county, the lowest rate since June 21.
Dallas County surpasses 70,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, reports 5 deaths Thursday
Dallas County reported 219 coronavirus cases and five deaths on Thursday.
Of the COVID-19 cases reported on Thursday, 59 were from earlier in the pandemic, including 18 in June, 36 in July, and five from earlier in August. The cases were previously unreported because of an error in the Texas Department of State Health Services data reporting system.
The five deaths include a Richardson man in his 50s, a Dallas man in his 60s, a Cedar Hill man in his 60s, a Garland man in his 70s, and a Dallas man in his 70s. The Cedar Hill man and the Dallas man in his 70s were both residents of long-term care facilities. The Dallas man in his 70s is the only of the five with no underlying health conditions.
Dallas County has confirmed 70,100 COVID-19 cases, including 895 confirmed deaths. The county does not report recoveries.
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.
Fort Worth nonprofit to give out food at Mobile Mega Market event
The Tarrant Area Food Bank is launching its third Mobile Mega Market where anyone who needs food assistance because of the pandemic can come to the event.
The Mobile Mega Market is Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Herman Clark Stadium, 5201 CA Roberson Rd.
Michael Polydoroff, a spokesman for the food bank, said at last week’s Mega Market 900 families were helped. The food bank wants to help 1,200 families during Friday’s event.
The Tarrant Area Food Bank strives to provide access to nutritious food to as many people as possible across 13 counties in North Texas.
COVID-19 Hospitalizations over Time
Coronavirus daily hospitalization counts in Texas and the larger Trauma Service Areas, beginning April 8, 2020. Data provided by Texas Health and Human Services.
This story was originally published August 28, 2020 at 9:31 AM.