DeSoto Passes 8,300 Total COVID-19 Cases And Other Community Information

Here’s what you need to know about how the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the city of DeSoto.

By Tyler Carter

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, DeSoto has recorded a total of 8,372 cases.

Dallas County reported an additional 462 cases on Thursday, bringing the total confirmed case count to 340,278 — including 4,925 confirmed deaths, officials reported. KXAS-TV (NBC 5) is reporting 170 deaths in DeSoto.

Dallas County does not report which cases are considered active or recovered.

Gov. Greg Abbott eliminated the statewide mask mandate and allowed businesses to open at full capacity in early March. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, who leads the Commissioners Court and has managed the county’s pandemic response, announced a mask mandate for schools and businesses in August as part of an executive order in response to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

DeSoto and nearby school districts said they support Jenkins’ mandate and have required masks. DeSoto city officials have enacted daily testing for first responders, while other city employees are tested twice a week.

In May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 didn’t need to wear face masks or social distance at gatherings of any size. However, the CDC changed its masking guidelines on July 28, recommending face coverings even for vaccinated people in parts of the country where coronavirus is surging — such as North Texas.

James Cutrell, an infectious disease expert at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, told The Dallas Morning News that he expects the two-dose Moderna and Pfizer vaccines can still offer up to 90% protection against the variant, while one dose of the vaccines could offer up to 50% protection.

COVID-19 vaccinations are continuing in North Texas and throughout the country. Visit The News’ Vaccine Guide to find out where you can get yours.

If you need help

As the economic ramifications of the pandemic continue to take a toll on many DeSoto residents and businesses, the city has a list of several options for assistance.

The city maintains a list of clinics and health-care facilities where residents can obtain a COVID-19 test at no cost.