Dallas County reports 2,994 New COVID-19 Cases, 21 New Deaths
DALLAS Today, Dallas County Health and Human Services reports 2,994 additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Dallas County, 2,589 confirmed cases and 405 probable cases. There is a cumulative total of 199,948 confirmed cases (PCR test). There is a cumulative total of 25,681 probable cases (antigen test). A total of 1,812 Dallas County residents have lost their lives due to COVID-19 illness.
Twenty one additional deaths being reported today include the following:
A woman in her 40’s who was a resident of the City of Dallas. She had been critically ill in an area hospital and had underlying high risk health conditions.
The number of new cases of COVID-19 is setting records in Dallas County as the pandemic rolls into its first anniversary, but local authorities still can t agree on one vital number: How many intensive-care unit beds are still empty?
Variances in the reporting of ICU bed counts from different sources are creating uncertainty regarding the severity of the situation in hospitals across the area. Mayor Eric Johnson in particular continues to tweet numbers for available ICU beds that are significantly higher than other sources.
“Does anyone there have an explanation for why @Johnson4Dallas s hospital stats say there are over 100 icu beds available, but @JudgeClayJ says it s like 20? This is very confusing and readers might like to know why,” Jeff Helfrich tweeted on Jan. 3.
As COVID situation turns critical, locals may soon be able to register in Tarrant County for vaccinations
Waxahachie Daily Light
With hospital beds rapidly approaching zero availability, Ellis County has established a partnership with Tarrant County that could lead to more local residents having access to a COVID-19 vaccination.
The partnership will allow Ellis County residents who qualify under distribution phase 1A (vaccinate health care workers) and 1B (people who are 65 and older and those who have a medical condition that increases their risk of severe disease or death) to be eligible to register in Tarrant County for a COVID-19 vaccination.