Coronavirus Update: June 24th, 2020

By The Numbers:
Statistics are current as June 24th, 4:00pm CT  

• In Texas, new cases and hospitalizations are rising at their fastest rate yet, especially in urban areas like the Fort Worth metroplex. 1,805,642 people in Texas have been tested, resulting in 120,370 cases and 2,220 deaths, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services. There are an estimated 47,436 active cases in our state, and an estimated 70,714 coronavirus patients in Texas have successfully recovered.
  • Tarrant County has at least 9,126 confirmed cases; Parker County has 138; and Wise County has 63.
• In the United States, more than 2 million cases of coronavirus have been diagnosed, resulting in over 100,000 deaths. There are at least 2,336,615 cases and 121,117 deaths, as reported by the CDC.

Need to Know:

• Do your part for a healthy Texas: After weeks of strong progress in slowing the spread of the coronavirus, both our state and our Fort Worth metroplex are seeing a rising number of new cases and hospitalizations. Tarrant County Public Health Director Dr. Vinny Taneja says that this recent rise is due to those ignoring social distancing guidelines and recommendations to wear face coverings. Dr. Taneja warns that coronavirus cases in Tarrant County could double in the next 30 days unless everyone does their part for a healthy community. The virus’ increased spread in our state is a top priority for Governor Abbott, who called on all Texans in a press conference this past Monday, June 22nd, to wear face coverings and follow guidelines from the CDC and local health officials, saying that “additional measures are going to be necessary” if new cases and hospitalizations continue at their current rates. Do your part: wear masks when you venture out, follow CDC-recommended guidelines for keeping yourself and others healthy, and let’s get back on track to keeping Texans safe and our state open for business.

• Fort Worth’s smallest businesses get a lifeline: Very small businesses in Texas 12 that have been impacted by the pandemic and that have found it challenging to access federal grants or loans through the SBA or traditional banks and lending institutions now have a new option to secure funding. Thanks to the CARES Act, Tarrant County has dedicated $30 million in grant funding to businesses with under 25 employees, through the Tarrant County Small Business Assistance Grants Program. Click here to learn more, and apply by 6:00 p.m. CT on July 6th.

• It’s easier than ever to get tested in Texas 12: Reversing the recent rise in new cases and hospitalizations in Texas 12 and across our state will take all of us working together—get tested if you feel symptoms like a fever or shortness of breath. Free testing options are now more accessible than ever in Texas 12.
• Click here for a list of free testing sites in Fort Worth and Arlington, and visit bit.ly/txcovidtest to locate a test site anywhere in Texas.