Tarrant County, Fort Worth issue ‘stay at home’ orders Coronavirus Updates.
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Nearly 300 positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in North Texas, including six deaths. That number is expected to increase as new testing centers open to the public and more people are able to get tested.
Dallas County began its shelter-in-place order at 11:59 p.m. Monday, shutting down all non-essential businesses and requiring residents to stay at home except in certain circumstances.
Exceptions include trips for medical care, to the grocery store, outdoor exercise and or other events that contributes to the health or safety of the people — all while maintaining social distancing.
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Four people have died in Dallas County so far from COVID-19, up from two deaths reported Sunday. One person has died in Tarrant County, and one person has died in Collin County, according to health officials.
In Fort Worth, Mayor Betsy Price said Monday that grocers are opening earlier for pregnant women, elderly people and those who are medically-compromised to shop.
The efforts are all in order to help flatten the curve of the spread of the virus so that sick patients do not overwhelm the area’s healthcare system.
RELATED: Coronavirus information in Spanish, Chinese
Top updates for Tuesday, March 24:
- Fort Worth’s mayor encouraged people to stay home but doesn’t require it – yet.
- Dallas has loosened COVID-19 testing requirements at drive-thru sites. Hundreds were turned away over the weekend.
- Dallas County is now under a shelter-in-place order until at least April 3. Find out more about what that means here.
RELATED: What is an underlying health condition or issue for COVID-19?
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Tarrant County, Fort Worth issue ‘stay at home’ orders
Tarrant County has issued a “stay at home order,” Judge Glen Whitley said during a county commissioners meeting Tuesday morning.
“We simply must flatten the curve and save lives,” Whitley said. “No amount of economic activity is worth loss of life.”
Residents should only leave home for essential activities and work, Whitley said.
More Information Updated with our News Partners at WFAA
