COVID-19 Spread Appears to be Slowing in Tarrant County

COVID-19 infections remain at a high spread level in Tarrant County, but county health leaders say the spread rate may be starting to slow down.

Earlier this month the number of infections coming from a single case reached a pandemic high of 1.62. That is known as the "R Naught" number.

As of Tuesday, it has lowered to 1.03 in Tarrant County.

The county's health director says hospitals are seeing some relief.

"Our main message is that things can look better and then they can turn around. It's all dependent on how the community participates. If we all do the things that we know work…that we avoid large crowds, we wear our masks when we are out…and we get our vaccinations done, we will be able to push this down real fast," said Vinny Taneja, Director, Tarrant County Public Health.

In response to a recent rise in cases and survey results from parents, students, and staff, Crowley ISD officials announced a temporary mask mandate will begin Thursday, Jan. 27 for two weeks. In a message to the community, district superintendent Mike McFarland said the purpose of the temporary mandate was to help slow the spread of COVID to keep schools open for safe, in-person learning.

The district received more than 3,900 responses. 77% of employees, 78% of students, and 84% of parents surveyed said they believe a temporary mask mandate should be re-implemented.

"We hear you," McFarland wrote. "We also hear those of you who do not support mask mandates and we understand your concerns. Masks can be an inconvenience. And when not worn properly, masks are not as effective. But, based on the science, and the advice of local medical experts, and the continued spread of the Omicron variant in our community, and the support of a large majority of our school community, we are making the decision to reimplement this temporary mask mandate."

About 60% of all eligible Tarrant County residents are considered fully vaccinated, according to county data as of Tuesday.