This week, the Dallas County Public Health Committee moved the COVID-19 Threat Level to RED. The committee’s letter to Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins cited its reasons for the change.
“At this point data from Dallas County demonstrate 1. A sustained increase in the % positivity among symptomatic and asymptomatic tested individuals (up to 40% in some health care settings); 2. An increase in emergency room visits for COVID-19 like illness, with over 25% of ED visits the last few days being for suspected COVID; 3. Increasing reports of inadequate testing facilities and access to testing (and testing kits) throughout the community (it appears that the health care facilities do have adequate supplies); 4. Increased reports of workforce and staffing challenges in acute care and long-term care facilities; 5. An increase in the hospital census, up to 333 as of 12/27, a 50% increase in the last week. 6. Rapidly rising COVID cases, with PCCI reporting a 76.3% week over week increase to 5541 through 12/23. 7. Elevated pediatric hospitalizations for COVID.”
The committee’s letter also asked that people celebrate the new year’s holiday at home.
In a news release, Jenkins said that the number of COVID-19 cases, particularly the Omicron variant, is increasing rapidly. His advice is: “Get boosted; wear a surgical mask; avoid crowds for now.”
Dec. 28 Dallas County reported 1,619 new positive cases and 19 deaths. This included 242 probable cases.
As of Dec. 28, COVID cases in the city of Garland were as follows:
- 41,095 total cases
- 742 active cases
- 39,726 recovered cases
- 627 deaths
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises:
- If unvaccinated, avoid close contact outside your home and put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others and continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to seek medical care
- Wash your hands often and with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and help young children to do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve, not your hands. Immediately wash hands.
- Monitor your health daily. Be alert for symptoms. Take your temperature and follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidance if symptoms develop.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection.
- If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.