DALLAS — Cases of COVID-19 are surging throughout North Texas, taxing resources as well health care workers. It’s largely due to the proliferation of the omicron COVID-19 variant, which is now accounting for the majority of new cases in Texas.

What You Need To Know

  • Dallas County has moved to the “Red” level of COVID-19 risk, signaling high probability of transmission

  • Some of the factors for the move included an increase in ER visits, inadequate staffing at health care facilities and rapidly rising cases of the virus

  • The vaccination rate in Dallas County is just 54% and only 13.6% of the population has been boosted

  • Health officials urged people to get vaccinated and either stay at home to celebrate the New Year’s holiday or limit themselves to small, private gatherings

With that in mind, Dallas County has moved to the “Red” COVID-19 risk level, signaling a high risk of transmission in the region.

In making the decision to move to the most severe threat level, the Dallas County Public Health Committee cited the following factors:

  • A sustained increase in the percentage of vaccinated and unvaccinated people testing positive for the virus. This is as high as 40% in some settings, the Public Health Committee said.
  • An increase in emergency room visits for COVID-like symptoms. More than 25% of ER visits over the last few days involved patients suspected of being positive for the virus.
  • Increasing reports of inadequate testing facilities and limited access to testing throughout the community.
  • Reports of inadequate staffing at acute and long-term care facilities.
  • An increase in the total number of patients admitted to area hospitals. That increase has been 50% in the last week, the Public Health Committee reported.
  • Rapidly rising COVID-19 cases throughout the community. As of Dec. 23 the community saw a 76.3% week-over-week increase.
  • Elevated pediatric hospitalizations for COVID-19.

The Dallas County Public Health Committee urged those who have not been vaccinated to do so, and for those who have not received a booster shot to get one. The vaccination rate for Dallas County is about 54% and only 13.6% of the population has been boosted.

The health committee also stressed that visiting bars or attending large indoor events during the New Year’s holiday will contribute to community spread. It’s recommended you celebrate at home or at small, private gatherings, wear a mask and continue to practice social distancing.