Coronavirus live updates Sept. 3: 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.
Tarrant County corporal dies of COVID-19, sheriff says
A corporal with the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office died on Tuesday after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Charles Holt, 36, was diagnosed on Aug. 27 with the virus, Sheriff Bill Waybourn said in a news release.
Holt began working for the sheriff’s office in 2014 and was assigned to the booking division and served on the intelligence team.
“He proudly showed up under tough conditions and performed his duties in a positive and honorable manner,” Waybourn said in the release.
Holt leaves behind his wife, Moranda, and three children.
Tarrant County reports 4 more COVID deaths, including man and woman in their 40s
Tarrant County reported four more coronavirus deaths and 210 new cases on Wednesday.
The deaths include a Fort Worth man and woman in their 40s, a Fort Worth man in his 70s, and a Hurst woman older than 100.
All four had underlying health conditions, according to officials.
Tarrant County has reported a total of 42,070 COVID-19 cases, including 560 deaths and an estimated 36,472 recoveries.
Dallas County reports 7 COVID deaths, including two with no underlying health issues
Dallas County reported seven coronavirus deaths and 358 cases on Wednesday.
Of Wednesday’s cases, 207 are unreported cases from earlier in the pandemic, including 172 from August, 22 from July, 12 from June, and one from May. The cases from August, however, are not considered unreported cases from the Texas’ Department of State Health Services data reporting glitch, according to Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.
Dallas County has confirmed 72,610 COVID-19 cases, including 926 deaths. The county is not reporting recoveries. The county reports 3,025 probable cases, including 10 probable deaths.
Wednesday’s seven pandemic-related deaths include two patients who did not have underlying health conditions. They include a Dallas man in his 50s and a Lancaster woman in her 70s. The others include a Dallas man and woman in their 60s, a Dallas woman in her 70s who was a resident of a long-term care facility, a Richardson man in his 80s, and a DeSoto woman in her 90s.
What changes after Dallas County lowered COVID threat level for first time since May?
Dallas County lowered its color-coded coronavirus threat level to orange on Wednesday.
It’s the first time the county has diminished the threat level since May. The orange level is the second-highest of four levels. The county labels orange as “Extreme Caution.”
The threat level had been at red, the top level — “Stay Home Stay Safe” — since May. The other levels are yellow (“Proceed Carefully”) and green (“New Normal Until Vaccine”).
The coronavirus threat level guide was prepared for the county by public health officials and infectious disease experts and released in May when Gov. Greg Abbott began his reopen Texas strategy.
The orange level, according to the guide, means it’s safer to eat in restaurants and visit movie theaters as long as social distancing and face coverings are enforced. Drive-thru, delivery and pickup at restaurants are still preferred to dining in, according to the guide.
People over 65 or in high-risk groups are discouraged from any in-person activities.
The threat level change follows two weeks of lower daily COVID-19 case counts in the county. Fewer pandemic-related deaths and hospitalizations have also led to the move.
Tarrant Area Food Bank, Fort Worth ISD offer weekly Mega Mobile Market into November
The Fort Worth school district and Tarrant Area Food Bank are teaming up for the fourth consecutive Mega Mobile Market, a large-scale distribution event to help families in need of food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week’s Mega Mobile Market is set for 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday at Herman Clark Stadium, 5201 CA Roberson Blvd. in Fort Worth.
The district said that the Market will deliver food every Friday at the same time and location through Nov. 20.
“This is a continuation of a partnership we established way back in March,” the district said in a release. “We are thrilled to be part of this effort which is open to all families.”
Each attending family receives approximately 100 pounds of high-quality produce, meat, dairy and groceries. The Tarrant Area Food Bank is the primary source of donated food for hunger-relief charities and feeding programs in 13 North Texas counties.
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.
