They report 22 deaths from covid-19 and 378 new infections; slight increase in hospitalizations

Dallas County Health and Human Services reported 378 new coronavirus infections and 22 deaths due to covid-19.

In total, there have been 253,231 and 3,647 deaths in the county since the pandemic began in March 2020.

Two COVID-19 deaths were confirmed Tuesday in cafeteria staff and a custodian at a kindergarten through twelfth grade school in Dallas County. The county is closely following an outbreak of more than 70 cases that spread after a high school dance.

For the second day in a row there is an increase in the number of patients in intensive care. On Tuesday there were 225 patients and 450 people came to emergency rooms with symptoms of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours. This is about 14% of all emergency visits in the county.

UT Southwestern forecasts an increase in hospitalizations and daily cases of up to 480 by April 22. The projection indicates that there are changes in behavior such as the one wearing masks and the lack of social distance that can cause a substantial outbreak.

“All deaths (from covid-19) are now preventable as there is no appointment or waiting list to get a vaccine,” said County Judge Clay Jenkins. “You just have to sign up at www.dallascounty.org and get your shot.”

“Once vaccinated, the chances of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 drop to virtually zero,” Jenkins said.