Denton County director of public health reports COVID-19 cases on the rise

The number of COVID-19 cases in Denton County is increasing, mostly due to the delta variant, according to Matt Richardson, director of public health.

Data showed 132 new cases in the county on July 26, with 2,471 active cases. That compares with 35 new cases and 1,691 active cases on June 25.

“We’re trending in a direction of concern,” Richardson told Denton County commissioners at their July 27 meeting. “For the second week in a row, the active number of cases in Denton County is increasing. Hospitalizations are also increasing.”

Data shows 8.04% of hospitalizations in Denton County on July 26 were people who tested positive for COVID-19. That translates to about 50 patients, according to a dashboard from The Institute for Urban Policy Research at The University of Texas at Dallas.

Richardson reported that 90% of those hospitalized with COVID-19 in the county last week had not been vaccinated. “The number speaks for itself,” he said.

About 55% of eligible Denton County residents have received a COVID-19 vaccine, according to Richardson. That compares with an estimated 52% of eligible people statewide who have been vaccinated.

The vaccine is available for anyone age 12 or older. Denton County continues to offer vaccines at its clinics in Lewisville and Denton. Some doctors’ offices and pharmacies also offer the vaccine. Click here for more information about getting a vaccine.

“The vaccine is important. It’s effective. It saves lives,” Richardson said.