Officials prepare for ‘fast peaking’ of COVID-19 as the state, North Texas see an increase in cases

County Judge Clay Jenkins said the uptick will likely get worse with the omicron variant now the dominant coronavirus strain in the United States.

By Kelli Smith and Michael Williams

Officials anticipate a fast peaking of COVID-19 cases heading into the holidays as Texas recorded an uptick in case totals spurred by the omicron variant, stirring anxieties across the area.

The state reported 12,476 more cases Thursday, including 10,610 confirmed cases and 1,866 probable cases. That total is about double most of the one-day case counts recorded last week. The statewide average number of new daily cases for the last two weeks is is 6,976 cases. For the previous 14-day period, the average was 2,306.

In Dallas County, the average number of new daily cases for the last two weeks is 479. For the previous 14-day period, the average was 324. The 14-day average recorded Thursday is the highest since October.

Federal health officials said this week that the variant accounted for 73% of new coronavirus infections last week.

“If you have not been vaccinated or not received your booster if you’re eligible, please do so immediately,” Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a written statement. He said that it’s very important for people to wear masks, maintain distance and limit indoor exposure to strangers, adding that people should take celebrations outside when possible.

The county reported 17 more COVID-19 deaths and 874 new coronavirus cases Thursday. The one-day totals were part of a steep increase that Jenkins said will likely get worse with the omicron variant now the dominant COVID-19 strain in the United States.

Of the new cases in the county, 686 were confirmed and 188 were probable. The numbers bring the county’s overall case total to 424,077, including 357,430 confirmed and 66,647 probable. The death toll is 5,469.

According to the state, 1,712,207 people in Dallas County have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while 1,468,071 — 59.7% of the county’s population 5 and older — are fully vaccinated.

County health director Philip Huang said on Tuesday that Dallas County’s COVID-19 threat level will stay at orange, but he called the rapid spread of the omicron variant “very scary.”

The latest COVID-19 data available were Thursday totals as public health offices close for the holidays. Dallas County will resume reporting on Tuesday.

More demand for COVID-19 testing

As concerns with the omicron variant rise, so too has the demand for COVID-19 testing.

Sites across Texas have reported surges of people seeking COVID-19 tests in the days before Christmas. This week in Dallas County, people lined up for tests had long waits.

In Houston, one of three county-run sites reached its 500-test capacity by 11 a.m. Friday, KHOU reported. Some workers at a Far North Dallas testing site quit their jobs out of exhaustion, KDFW-TV (FOX4) reported.

Two testing sites near Richardson were less frantic. There was no line at the Richland College testing site just after noon Friday.

Several cars were lined up at a drive-through site in the parking lot of a shopping center on Plano Road near Beltline Road in Richardson.

People said they were getting tested for a variety of reasons. Some were sick, some had been exposed to somebody who had the coronavirus. Others said they simply wanted to make sure it was safe to attend family gatherings over the holidays.

Ieshia Thomas physically felt fine, but she said her anxiety has been “at an all-time high” after several people in the office where she works tested positive.

”I just thought I’d rather be safe than sorry,” Thomas said.

Daniel Beltron said he was symptomatic and wanted “to make sure I don’t have it because I don’t want to spread it.”

Michael Rodriguez said he decided to get tested after waking up Friday with a temperature of 99.9 degrees.While it would be disappointing to test positive for the virus the day before Christmas, Rodriguez wasoptimistic.

”I wouldn’t be too bummed out,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve got my PS5 [PlayStation 5], so I ain’t tripping.”

Rodriguez, Beltron and Thomas each said finding a place to get tested was simple and easy. Others drove up to the site only to be turned away because the site closed at 1 p.m. One woman who was turned away said she was desperate to get tested because she felt sick.

Surging COVID-19 infections have already impacted holiday travel. Air carriers scrapped more than 400 U.S. flights Friday, led by United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, in part due to surging COVID-19 infections.

United said that a jump in omicron was limiting the availability of flight crews and ground personnel. Delta said its cancellations were attributed to potential inclement weather in some places and the impact of omicron.

Texas

The state reported 89 COVID-19 deaths, raising its toll to 74,062.

The state’s case total is now 4,457,359, including 3,695,086 confirmed and 762,273 probable.

By Wednesday there were a total of 3,376 hospitalizations in the state, including 891 in North Texas.

According to the state, 19,173,107 people in Texas have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while 16,362,431 — 60.7% of the state’s population 5 and older — are fully vaccinated.

Across Texas, 4,352,563 people have received a booster vaccine shot, according to the state.

Tarrant County

Tarrant County reported seven deaths and 843 cases Thursday.

Of the new cases, 625 were confirmed and 218 were probable. The numbers bring the county’s case total to 380,558, including 312,656 confirmed and 67,902 probable. The death toll is 4,998.

In Tarrant County, the average number of new daily cases in for the last two weeks is 409. For the previous 14-day period, the average was 340.

The county reported that 258 people were hospitalized with the virus.

According to the state, 1,269,619 people in Tarrant County have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while 1,116,832 — 57.5% of the county’s population 5 and older — are fully vaccinated.

Collin County

The state added one death and 253 cases to Collin County’s totals Thursday.

Of the new cases, 176 were confirmed and 77 were probable. The numbers bring the county’s case total to 137,458, including 110,979 confirmed and 26,479 probable. The death toll is 1,202.

In Collin County, the average number of new daily cases in for the last two weeks is 252. For the previous 14-day period, the average was 135.

The county reported that 129 people were hospitalized with the virus as of Wednesday.

According to the state, 745,733 people in Collin County have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while 656,714 — 68.2% of the county’s population 5 and older — are fully vaccinated.

Denton County

Denton County reported no new deaths and 345 cases Thursday.

The numbers bring the county’s case total to 114,557. The death toll is 758.

In Denton County, the average number of new daily cases in for the last two weeks is 154. For the previous 14-day period, the average was 130.

The county reported that 87 people were hospitalized with the virus.

According to the state, 583,769 people in Denton County have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while 521,289 — 62.8% of the county’s population 5 and older — are fully vaccinated.