Dallas County set two new records for the most number of coronavirus cases in a single day in the past week, according to a press release.
The county broke its single-day record Nov. 20 with 1,974 confirmed cases. The next day, it broke its record again with 2,183 confirmed cases. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins urged residents to avoid large family gatherings and celebrate Thanksgiving only with those in their own households to help slow the spread of the virus.
“I know this is disappointing news for Thanksgiving, but we have so much to be thankful for,” Jenkins said. “We must focus on what we’re thankful for and protecting it for the future and not give in to momentary weakness or selfishness that will lead to bad decisions.”
There were 11,302 cases of the coronavirus confirmed in county residents between Nov. 16-22, data shows. There have been 115,410 cases and 1,185 deaths countywide since officials began data collection in March. Data shows Dallas County residents ages 18-40 have had the largest number of positive cases since the start of the pandemic followed by those aged 41-64. In Richardson ISD, 408 students and 163 employees have been diagnosed since Aug. 19, according to the district’s dashboard, which launched in early September. In Plano ISD, 438 students and 149 employees have been diagnosed since Aug. 12, according to its dashboard, which is updated daily Monday through Friday.
Both dashboards show all confirmed coronavirus cases districtwide, including those reported in students learning from home. They also include a breakdown of cases by building. Of cases confirmed in RISD, 77 students and 27 employees still have the virus. In PISD, 102 student cases and 46 employee cases are still active.
There have been 49 coronavirus-related deaths in Dallas County over the past seven days. About 23% of deaths in Dallas County have been associated with long-term care facilities.
Collin County announced in August that it will no longer report city-specific information. Only data published by the Texas Department of State Health Services will be shared on the county’s dashboard, according to the announcement. The city of Richardson does not regularly report its own case numbers.
