A Dallas woman in her 60s with underlying health conditions is the 314th person in Dallas County to die after contracting COVID-19, health officials say.
Dallas County Health and Human Services reported 408 more cases of the new coronavirus -- the fifth day in a row on which it has reported at least 392 cases. In total, Dallas County has reported 16,845 cases of COVID-19.
Dallas County does not report recoveries from COVID-19 because it lacks the manpower to follow up with thousands of patients, however, the Texas Department of State Health Services posts an estimated number of recoveries on its site and lists 78,164 for Dallas County as of Saturday, Oct. 10. Using data supplied by the state, there are an estimated 6,120 active COVID-19 cases in the county.
*Map locations are approximate, central locations for the city and are not meant to indicate where actual infected people live.
Saturday, Dallas County reported a record-high number of people either hospitalized or in an acute care setting with COVID-19, while coronavirus-related emergency room visits accounted for 27% of all ER visits Friday.
Dallas County Health and Human Services did not report new information regarding hospitalizations, emergency room visits and ICU admissions Sunday, adding new data would be available Tuesday.
"Today's numbers are once again over 400 and are strong evidence as to why we need to all make good personal responsibility decisions," Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a written statement. "I had the chance to go into a grocery store today and saw every person in the store wearing a mask. These are the sort of strong personal responsibility decisions we need to curb the spread of COVID-19 now that we are seeing a second wave."
County health officials said almost half of all COVID-19 cases reported since June 1 are in people between 18 and 39 years old.
Of cases requiring hospitalization in people who reported employment, more than 80% have been in critical infrastructure workers.
Dallas County commissioners voted Friday to require businesses to ensure customers wear a face covering while inside or face a fine of up to $500.
