Dallas County reported 8,483 new COVID-19 cases Friday, once again setting a record for the most cases reported for a single day. The county’s previous high was set Jan. 7, when it reported 6,589 cases. Health experts said this week that the region is still at least a week away from the peak of the omicron variant, and that while the new strain may cause less severe disease, it still poses a significant threat to already overwhelmed health care systems. The variant’s rapid spread has caused several schools to close down because of staffing shortages. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, meanwhile, has said the best way to…
Author: Hasnain Abid Khanzada
Coronavirus outbreaks are rapidly increasing in nursing homes across Texas as the highly-contagious omicron variant spreads and long-term care facilities struggle to manage staffing shortages. The number of active coronavirus cases among Texas nursing home residents jumped more than 76%, from 3,434 to 6,053, between Jan. 7 and Jan. 14, according to Texas Health and Human Services data. In the long-term care region containing Dallas, Denton, Tarrant and Collin counties, cases rose about 97%, from 802 to 1,580, during the same period. Early research shows omicron causes less severe illness than previous variants, especially in those who are vaccinated and…
More than 480,000 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Dallas County, and that number will likely keep growing quickly as the omicron variant spreads. For some patients, COVID-19 has been little more than a cold and several days of isolation. But the virus has plagued others with what is known as long COVID, a range of debilitating symptoms that continue for months after someone’s initial infection. Dr. Michael Brode, medical director at University of Texas Health Austin’s Post-COVID-19 Program, said in a webinar on Friday that some COVID-19 symptoms that aren’t often spoken about, like dizziness and high heart rate,…
NEW YORK — U.S. health officials on Friday encouraged more Americans to wear the kind of N95 or KN95 masks used by health-care workers to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Those kinds of masks are considered better at filtering the air. But they were in short supply previously, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials had said they should be prioritized for health care workers. In updated guidance posted Friday, CDC officials removed concerns related to supply shortages and more clearly said that properly fitted N95 and KN95 masks offer the most protection. However, agency officials noted some masks…
Elizabeth Frizell, the Democrat challenging Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot in March’s primary election, says she is seeking a rematch against Creuzot because the incumbent broke two key campaign promises. Elizabeth Frizell Frizell, speaking to editorial board Friday, accused Creuzot of failing to address police brutality and to reform the cash bail system in the first three years of his term. Creuzot, who also took part in the virtual interview, said he has prosecuted police officers and is limited in the power his office has to eliminate cash bail. “They were very important to me because I made those…
Jonathan Boyd is pulling out all the stops for the Dallas Cowboys’ NFC playoffs matchup against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday. The Allen fire chief and his brother-in-law, Josh Eason, are longtime Cowboys fans, and like many North Texans, are elated that their team has made it to the postseason. Texas barbecue and chili on Dallas Cowboys game days? Nope. Brothers-in-law Jonathan Boyd and Josh Eason have used some culinary reverse psychology to help propel the Cowboys this season. They made lobster rolls and chowder for the ‘Boys’ game against the New England Patriots, birria tacos for their matchup…
PLANO — The government claims that Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes and others indicted for sedition this week in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol had planned and practiced for “unconventional warfare” with “road blocks… convoy operations… hasty ambushes” in the weeks after the November 2020 presidential election. Stewart Rhodes, 56, leader of the Oath Keepers extremist militia, appeared in court on Friday afternoon after the government alleged he led a coordinated attack on the U.S. Capitol. He pleaded not guilty to several charges including seditious conspiracy — the most serious to date in connection with…
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — JoMarie Flores has seen the impact of COVID-19 firsthand as a funeral director. But the virus changed everything in January of 2021, when she tested positive right before the Chevron Houston Marathon. Not one to give up, Flores still ran the We are Houston 5k and Chevron Houston Marathon on a treadmill in her yard. With each mile, she raised money for 3″A”Bereavement, a charity that helps families after they have lost a loved one. Now in 2022, Flores is ready to run again – this time on the actual course. Flores said, “I have lost family members,…
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As thousands of runners hit the streets for the Chevron Houston Marathon Sunday morning, thousands of drivers will want to do their best to avoid them. Street closures begin as early this weekend for some portions of downtown, close to the start and finish lines. Most street closures through neighborhoods will begin before dawn on Sunday morning and won’t reopen until mid-morning to late afternoon, depending on the location along the marathon routes. While more than 300,000 participants, volunteers and spectators will flock to the race routes, just as many will need to get around the…
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Are you looking for a seasonal job? Maybe even at this year’s RodeoHouston? Organizers are calling for folks interested in contributing to the magic that makes one of the biggest events and traditions in the city memorable. Those interested can attend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s job fair Friday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at NRG Stadium West Club. Part-time positions include concessions cashiers, bartenders, wait staff, event staff, carnival ride and game attendants, and security. Candidates are…
