Denton County Public Health is reporting 621 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday along with no new deaths as the number of hospitalized patients drops and the number of ICU beds increases.
According to the county health department, there were 171 people hospitalized with COVID-19 on both Wednesday, eight fewer than the day before, and that number includes 42 people with the virus in ICUs. DCPH reported hospital capacity at 73% Wednesday, leaving 255 total beds available for future patients, including eight in ICUs. The ICUs are 92% occupied and 47% of the ICU patients are COVID-19 patients.
Want to Get on a Vaccine Waitlist?
County health departments have launched waitlists for adults 16 years old and over.
You can register to recieve the vaccination in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties. Links are below:
Waitlist Links: Collin - Search Waitlist | Dallas | Denton | Tarrant
You do not need to be a resident of the county to register for a COVID-19 vaccine in that county -- registration is open to anyone in Texas. For those without internet access, Tarrant County is also taking registrations by phone at 817-248-6299. In Dallas County, call the DCHHS vaccine hotline at 1-855-IMMUNE9 (1-855-466-8639). In Denton County, call 940-349-2585.
For a more detailed breakdown of who is included in each priority group in Texas, see this page from the Texas DSHS.
Of the 621 new cases reported Wednesday afternoon, DCPH confirmed 539 are active while 82 have already cleared recovery protocol. The countywide total for cases stands at 55,363 with 39,816 estimated recoveries and 15,222 estimated active cases.
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Denton County is providing free COVID-19 testing through the county health department. For times and locations, visit DentonCounty.gov/COVID19testing.
This week the county opened a mega vaccination site at Texas Motor Speedway where up to 10,000 people per day could be vaccinated against the virus.
“Surprisingly fast,” recipient Don Preston said of the vaccination process. "Very efficient, very good. Communicated well. Great job."
To minimize the spread of COVID-19, DCPH asks all community members to continue to:
- Maintain at least six feet of physical distance in public settings and when around individuals outside of the household.
- Wear masks or face coverings, which should cover both the nose and mouth, in public settings and when around individuals outside of the household.
- Wash and/or sanitize hands frequently.
- Stay home if you are symptomatic, have recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19, or have pending COVID-19 lab results.
