Dallas County announces record-high case count of more than 700 new COVID-19 diagnoses

New cases of the coronavirus reached 708 today, setting a new record for the most additional diagnoses confirmed in one day. The last record was set June 30, when the county reported 601 new cases.

"It took 92 days to reach 300 COVID-19 cases, and it has taken 22 days since then to reach 700," County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a July 2 news release. "The situation we have right now is significant and accelerating community spread."

New cases have dramatically increased since Memorial Day weekend, according to data from Dallas County. The countywide case count is now 22,590, including 387 deaths. Dallas County does not report active cases.

More than half of the cases confirmed since June 1 have been in young adults ages 18-39, according to the release. The county points to large recreational and social gatherings, such as house parties, as the reason for acceleration among this age group.

Jenkins urged residents to practice caution during the upcoming July 4th holiday. He suggested avoiding crowds and extended family gatherings.

"I realize this is disappointing for all of us, but it's up to all of us to flatten the curve and save lives," he said. "The best way to do that is to avoid those crowds this holiday weekend and wear a mask if you are around anyone outside your family."

In Richardson, 377 people have been diagnosed with the virus, and 13 have died.