Charlie Scudder was a general assignment reporter and worked on the features and news desks for eight years. Dallas County opens up four new drive-thru testing sites this week. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging another federal pandemic restriction. "However if a tenant does provide documented evidence, then the tenant then has 60 days from original receipt of the notice to enter into a repayment agreement.". About a million Dallas County residents have not received a vaccine for COVID-19. The announcement comes as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Dallas County Health officials have raised the COVID-19 alert to level red and reported that hospitalizations are rising at the fastest rate since the pandemic began, among all age groups, including children. Respondents to a monthly survey noted that hiring in the tight labor market remains a challenge. Shuford expects the surge to decline sooner in cities like Houston and Dallas where the omicron variant began spreading earlier. She says 29 children are currently hospitalized with COVID-19. "We are seeing an uptick in the number of individuals who test positive, she said. HHSC has another $38 million to distribute to rural hospitals, which can each get $250,000. Tests will be administered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. But if there's more interest, he said they can expand operations to multiple days a week. Charles Scudder, Staff writer. As of December 9, local health departments have reported 131,821 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 531 deaths statewide. The program stopped accepting new applications in November due to overwhelming demand. State and local health officials are investigating the omicron variants arrival in Texas. He says Tarrant County has seen an increase in hospital admissions tied to COVID in adults and children. is an easy way to show vaccination status at venues or businesses that require proof of vaccination. Federal health officials recommend getting tested at least five days after being exposed to COVID, or as soon as symptoms start. In regards to who we can test, it is open to anybody, Lange said. These levels that were seeing are still at record highs compared to the entire pandemic, he said. Over the past year, classroom masking requirements sparked intense debate online and at school board meetings, led to a lawsuit against the governor and prompted protests across Orange County and the state. The Dallas Independent School District plans to lift its masking requirement at the end of the month. Join the Observer community and help support Players have to test negative twice or be sidelined for 10 days to return to the court. Date: December 13,2021Number:NR21-352Contact:CDPHpress@cdph.ca.gov. The U.S. did impose travel restrictions today on South Africa and seven other countries in response to the omicron variant. Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures: Thetesting turnaround time dashboardreports how long California patients are waiting for COVID-19 test results. He railed against vaccine requirements on the Senate Floor, yesterday. In the last seven days, the region has seen about 7,600 new cases, which is down 16% from last week. Dallas health officials urge residents to check COVID trends before Spring Break travel. Abbotts order does not limit the districts rights as an employer and educational institution to establish reasonable and necessary safety rules for its staff and students. Dallas ISD is among several North Texas districts boosting pay for substitute teachers as a way to try to attract more workers. Dallas County officials have lowered the COVID-19 risk level to Green which means a new normal for fully vaccinated residents. There's a lot of demand right now. The policy must be visibly posted near the door of a building so employees and visitors can see. Communities now have more tools to protect themselves from the virus, including an increased access to vaccines, testing and high-quality masks. The federal funding is made available through the American Rescue Plan Act and is aimed at supporting critical staffing needs during the pandemic. Experts say omicron variant not top concern in Dallas this holiday season delta is. That means they're either vaccinated or excused due to a religious or medical exemption. Approximately, 40% of the state's Army National Guard are currently refusing to receive the vaccine. There is no civil or criminal penalty for individuals who do not follow the order. Vaccines get an overhaul from FDA, Ex-controller for Anaheim companies gets 5 years for embezzlement, Youve got a blank canvas; now be creative and live fully alive, Hundreds of OC teens participate in Global Youth Service Day, prompted the school board to end a couple of January meetings early, reported by the New York Times in October, Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (April 20-27), More land sliding at Casa Romantica; residents evacuated, trains halted through San Clemente, Then and Now: Photos of Casa Romantica show damage caused by landside, Orange County Artist of the Year winners announced, The DMV says permission to drive is based on ability, but older drivers are scrutinized more, OC Marine who volunteered in Ukraine, survived rocket attack: I would do it again, Joe Bidens re-election bid is off to a bad start, Fire at Barnes & Noble in Orange disrupts book-signing event, Henry Winkler advises find a passion and stick with it, no matter the stage of life, A look at Orange Countys baseball teams and the CIF-SS playoffs, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Elementary School, School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove, William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted, Mark Twain School for the Talented and Gifted, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III Global Prep Academy at Paul Quinn College, Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. 210,409people a day are receiving COVID-19 vaccination (average daily dose count over 7 days). She said at a news conference Wednesday restaurants were struggling even before the latest COVID-19 wave. The Biden administration moved late last month to restrict travel from Southern Africa where the variant was first identified and had been widespread. Last week, Los Angeles County public health director Barbara Ferrer said the winter surge will be considered over in the nations most populous county when hospitalizations fall below 2,500 for seven days in a row. Schools will continue offering masks to students and staff who want them. All Californians should get vaccinated and receive their booster. If you've been exposed to COVID, get tested five days later or sooner if you develop symptoms. More than a dozen states have confirmed cases of the omicron variant of the coronavirus according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tarrant County Public Health will host a series of pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics over the weekend. The decision came not long after the CDC released new metrics to determine when masks. About 60% of eligible residents are fully vaccinated, according to state data. The city of Dallas now requires landlords to provide what's called a "COVID notice of possible eviction" before requiring a tenant to vacate for not paying rent. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the new system reflects a belief that the country has entered a different phase of the pandemic. Masked students wait in line for the first day of school at Tustin Ranch Elementary School in Tustin, CA on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. The results of the 1,2000 registered voter poll were taken early this month and are largely unchanged from a poll taken last October, before the most recent pandemic surge. When I think about things that keep me up at night, it's the next round of the Delta variant.". Judge Clay Jenkins announced Friday night that the. Read the fully story by the Associated Press. Gov. Appointments are required. Greg Abbott (R) that prohibits districts from mandating face. For outdoor events with more than 10,000 people, there is no vaccination requirement but masks or negative tests are recommended. Those thresholds increase from the current 500 attendees for indoor and 5,000 attendees for outdoor events. The increased threshold comes after Sundays Super Bowl that will draw as many as 100,000 football fans to SoFi Stadium outside Los Angeles. Greg Abbott for banning mask mandates in schools. California has seen a 65% drop in case rates since the peak during the wintertime omicron surge. The Dallas Morning News reports absences for on-campus staff in Lewisville are reaching as many as 800 a day. Harris County reports its first death related to the Omicron COVID-19 variant. In a message distributed Monday, district officials notified parents and teachers the use of face coverings on campuses will become a choice starting March 12. Just to put in perspective what we're talking about is, about 3.5% reproduction rate versus a 1.5% rate with Delta, so significantly higher, Miff told KERA News. What is Dallas ISD doing to encourage vaccinations? Tarrant County sees rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations. It's been a difficult time for a couple years, so it's great to see we have 12, just a trend that's growing, which is helpful," Juan Rodriguez said. Jenkins updated the order late Thursday, saying that people alone in offices would not be required to wear a mask. Why is Dallas ISD implementing a mask requirement? Legal challenges to the order, however, may mean it ends sooner than Jenkins would like. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission have about $90 million dollars in grants for nursing facilities. The Texas fight over mask mandates is confusing. It helps families of students with disabilities cover the cost of services, such as tutoring, from state-approved vendors. Dallas County reports the highest single-day total of new cases since the beginning of the pandemic. Decrease, Reset The Texas Education Agency's recommendations updated Friday are based on the latest CDC guidelines. In order to receive a test, participants must register ahead at https://ineedacovid19test.com/. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo yesterday said the man in his 50s was not vaccinated. The highly contagious Omicron variant is partly to blame for the spike, as well as large gatherings over the holidays. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins encouraged people to move some Christmas celebrations outdoors, where COVID-19 is less transmissible. NFL tightening COVID-19 protocols after surge in cases. Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are largely occurring among unvaccinated populations. Polk Center for Academically Talented and Gifted, Lenore Kirk Hall Personalized Learning Academy at Oak Cliff, Leonides Gonzalez Cigarroa M.D. He's fought COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates, but Ken Paxton has now tested positive for the virus. Dr. John Hellerstedt, Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner, says hes not surprised the omicron variant showed up in Texas. (1-833-422-4255). More data are needed to know if omicron infections cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants, according to the CDC. Tarrant County reported 421 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19, and six additional deaths on Tuesday. CDC expands boosters to include 16- and 17-year-olds. Relative to omicron, we anticipate that we're not going to see that to be a dominant strain in the Dallas area in Texas for the next six to 12 weeks, Miff said. In a video message on the district website, Superintendent Michael McFarland said it's needed after an increase in COVID-19 cases. He reiterated that the best way to keep COVID from spreading further is to wear a mask, avoid large gatherings and get a vaccine or booster shot. Rapid test results will be available within 3 to 5 hours. Genetic sequencing results indicated the infection was caused by the omicron strain, officials say. Jenkins said the doctors who advise him say another potent strain of COVID-19 is inevitable, meaning vaccines continue to be crucial to keep people safe and reduce infections. The order recommends anyone over 2 years old wear a mask in any public indoor space, and also suggests hand washing, social distancing, and other public health measures. According to a study by state health officials, unvaccinated Texans are twenty times more likely to die from COVID-19 and thirteen times more likely to test positive. Dallas County District 6 hosts a free COVID-19 vaccine event. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Texas set a new low during the pandemic a week before. Once that happens, itll change everything for me, she said. (916) 558-1784, COVID 19 Information Line: And everywhere in between.. He told county commissioners Tuesday that there's less of a strain on local hospitals. There are 3,804hospitalizations statewide. Dallas Policy Manager Priscylla Bento talked about the updated policy. Wells Academy, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III Global Preparatory Academy at Paul Quinn College, Dr. Frederick Douglass Todd Sr. Middle School, Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. North Texas is seeing a decrease in COVID-19 numbers. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins revised guidelines Friday, no longer requiring masks in public settings, except in jails, homeless shelters, long-term care facilities and health care settings. However, those numbers increased after the holiday season to 1,000s of new cases per day. Shots are available by appointment only this Thursday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Texas vaccine expert says delta variant still the biggest threat in the U.S. Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston says scientists should know within the next two weeks whether current COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the omicron variant. Krissy Brownell, who teaches high school English in Westminster, was unsurprised but more than a little frustrated Monday when she learned that California plans to end its school mask mandate. Tonight's matchup against Milwaukee would have marked his return from a five-game injury absence, but The Dallas Morning News reports Doncic yesterday entered the NBA's COVID-19 protocols. "For now, we're at Green, we're at the new normal. DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Dallas County announced Friday night, Feb. 25, it dropped its mask mandate. The Texas Education Agency released a statement on Thursday saying it would not issue updated public health guidance because of the conflict over the governors executive order and certain local orders and actions.. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins revised guidelines Friday, no longer requiring masks in public settings, except in jails, homeless shelters, long-term care facilities and health care settings. The masking requirement applies to all students, staff and visitors on district property. Tarrant County closes temporary testing site. Dallas Cowboys Coach Mike McCarthy, who recently had COVID-19, said Friday switching to virtual meetings was fine. local news and culture, Simone Carter Starting Monday, anyone on Dallas ISD property will have the option of wearing face coverings. Weatherford ISD to close schools through Friday. FEMA has distributed nearly $1.8 billion in COVID-19 related funeral assistance to roughly 273,000 people nationwide. Check out more information about testing and vaccination in Tarrant County. Texas COVID Cases Are Surging At An 'Astonishing Rate.' COVID-19 cases are no longer trending up in Denton County, after a slight uptick last month. The Senate rejected both amendments and passed a funding bill to avoid a government shutdown. After Feb. 15, unvaccinated people still will be required to be masked indoors, and everyone vaccinated or not will have to wear masks in higher-risk areas like public transit and nursing homes and other congregate living facilities, officials said. When you look at the percentage of the hospital admissions of people who are fully vaccinated versus not fully vaccinated, [at least] 80% are not vaccinated, he said. Health officials said Monday that more changes to the states policies will be released in the coming week. Pediatric and booster shots will also be administered. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins is encouraging fully vaccinated residents to get booster shots as COVID-19 spread remains high. At least 1.7 million Texans have already signed up for ACA health insurance, a record high for enrollment in the state. Friendship-West Baptist Church is hosting a free-COVID 19 rapid testing clinic, starting today. Unvaccinated Texans are 20 times more likely to die from COVID-19, state health officials say. Denton County health officials increase efforts to get people vaccinated. Cary Wintz is the Vice President of the groups board. And Dallas County is the second Texas county to require masks in the classroom as the school year is set to begin.Unfortunately others, in our case Gov. The CDC also advised that everyone vaccinated or not should wear a mask in public. Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic enters NBA's COVID-19 protocols. Vaccines and testing will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis. "Now, after the two weeks, we'll reevaluate the data to determine if the mandate should be extended another two weeks or allowed to expire based on the COVID cases in our schools and our community," said McFarland. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We will continue to monitor the cases in consultation with the Dallas County Health and Human Services. The state currently has more than 20,000 National Guard members, the largest contingent of any state. Bray said residents should monitor COVID advisories before traveling. 4:00AM, Order on required us of a face mask in certain public space pic.twitter.com/bibjDrdzUL. Richardson encouraged all eligible residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and get booster shots. . Federal officials are extending the requirement for masks on planes and public transportation for one more month through mid-April while taking steps that could lead to lifting the "And if you have vulnerable people that you're celebrating with keep that in mind.". The Department of State Health Services said the sites will not be able to offer this monoclonal antibody treatment until the federal government is able to ship more of it. And in medium-risk counties, people who are immunocompromised should talk to their doctor about continuing to wear a mask. Superintendent Michael Hinojosa made the announcement during the school board's monthly meeting . Vaccination appointments can be made by visitingmyturn.ca.govor calling 1-833-422-4255. "We should be really cautious here in Texas and continue to practice those preventive and protective behaviors that we have become so familiar with, Fischer said. In the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, maskless attendees prompted the school board to end a couple of January meetings early. Additionally, California has issued a travel alert to recommend that all travelers get tested within three to five days of their arrival in California. But if there is more than one person in a classroom or office, masks must be worn. You can carry the infection, get infected, and spread it to others, said Huang. KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. Those who might feel more comfortable with a mask requirement have been less vocal, Burris said. Judge Jenkins said the public health committee made the decision based on the decreasing number of hospital cases in our area. and help keep the future of the Observer, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. Some are hours and some are multiple hours, maybe double-digit hours in the E.R., waiting for a staffed bed," Richardson said. But statewide, COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are plummeting. Subscriber Benefit. Texas and other GOP-led states have successfully sued to halt other White House vaccine mandates. Currently, there are more than 5,000 active cases throughout the county. Marcus Lamb, Founder of Dallas-Area Christian TV Network Daystar, Dies at 64. Local officials are welcoming news that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is opening six COVID-19 testing sites across Texas. New cases and hospitalizations, meanwhile, continue sliding from the latest peak last month, but the risk of transmission remains high in many areas. Dallas ISD announced it will require face masks on district property beginning Tuesday, defying an executive order from Gov. You can follow Alejandra on Twitter @alereports. In a statement Tuesday, Superintendent Beau Rees said the district does not have enough staff or substitutes to keep schools open. Dallas County is once again under a mask mandate as COVID-19 delta variant cases and hospitalizations soar. Read the full report from UT Southwestern Medical Center here. Theres a fear for the students who cannot get a vaccine yet, our young students," Molina said. As universities and colleges reopen this month for the Spring semester, the Texas Faculty Association is concerned for faculty and students amid the surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant. The number of Texans seeking first-time benefits increased more than 75% for the week ending Dec. 4th. Another $10 million was allocated for a grant program for charter schools. The expected date is sometime in January. Matt Richardson is the director of Denton County Public Health. Get immediate access to organizations and people Got a tip? During a special-called meeting Friday, Dallas County Commissioners approved funding for more gift cards. Pediatric COVID admissions at Cook Children's hospital have more than tripled in the past week. All commercial entities including stores, bars and restaurants in Dallas County or business providing goods or services directly to the public must develop a health and safety policy that includes mask wearing indoors. The district plans to deep clean facilities during the closure. The Crowley school district today begins a two-week, temporary mask mandate. Studies show vaccines still give adequate protection against the omicron variant. That's according to a new COVID-19 forecast from UT Southwestern Medical Center. Sherry Christian, Deputy Chief of Staff with Dallas ISD, updated Dallas City Council members Monday. First U.S. case of COVID-19 omicron variant identified. Both counties are expected to see more than 5,000 new cases per day in Jan. As of today, the Omicron variant makes up the majority of the cases reported in the area.

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