Coronavirus News

Coronavirus cases are surfacing in Dallas-Fort Worth, but don't panic

It's a gnarly looking bugger.

CDC

The coronavirus has officially hit Dallas-Fort Worth, with two cases in Dallas, one in Tarrant County, and three in Collin County.

A case also surfaced in East Texas.

Dallas County confirmed its first presumptive positive case on March 9. Presumptive is the word of the day; all of the coronavirus cases are being described as "presumptive," meaning "of the nature of a presumption; presumed in the absence of further information."

The first Dallas case is a 77-year-old with an extensive travel history who traveled out of state. The individual is currently being treated at a Dallas-area hospital. The second case in Dallas is an acquaintance of that 77-year-old. Maybe his wife.

According to a March 10 release from the city of Fort Worth, the Tarrant County patient traveled to a conference in Kentucky at the end of February. Tarrant County health officials did not reveal the patient's identity.

"Because of the sensitive nature of this information, we are not allowed to provide specific information about the patient," said Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja in a statement.

In Collin County, the patients are a Frisco couple and their 3-year-old child; the couple has three other children who are not affected. The man took a business trip to Silicon Valley in February and began experiencing symptoms in late February-early March.

Every story about coronavirus must end with advice on preventing infection and further spread, and those are to observe the precautions you might take to avoid the flu.

To wit:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home if you get sick.
If you cough or sneeze, cover it with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause severe complications, including pneumonia.

health

Animal News

Dallas animal shelter hires distinguished new assistant director

DAS

Dallas Animal Services assistant director Amanda Earl

Dallas' animal shelter has hired a well-regarded animal professional to be second in command: According to a release, Dallas Animal Services (DAS) has appointed Amanda Earl to serve as the newest Assistant Director of Dallas Animal Services, effective November 17.

Earl brings more than 26 years of leadership in animal services, municipal operations, and animal welfare. She recently served as the Executive Director of the Darlington County Humane Society, where she secured funding to build a surgical suite and helped establish operational procedures for a new 14,000-square-foot shelter facility.

Her leadership experience includes roles with the cities of Lewisville, Grand Prairie, Hurst, Richardson, Farmers Branch, and Mesquite, as well as the SPCA of Texas.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional expertise in shelter operations, animal welfare, community engagement, and organizational leadership. Amanda has also contributed to the advancement of animal welfare across Texas through her service on multiple advisory boards and coalitions, including the Texas Animal Shelter Coalition, Plano and Lewisville Animal Services Advisory Committee, Hurst Animal Services Advisory Committee, and Texas Unites for Animals.

She holds several professional certifications, including TDSHS Basic, Advanced and Administrative Animal Control Officer Certifications, Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician, Fear Free Shelter Certification, and the prestigious Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) credential.

Known for her collaborative leadership and ability to build strong partnerships, Amanda will lead DAS' Field Services, Cruelty Investigations, Medical Operations, and Shelter Operations.

Earl joins DAS director Paul Ramon, who has worked at the shelter since 2022. She replaces Mary Martin, the former, also highly-regarded Assistant Director, who departed in March 2025 to become the Director of Riverside County Department of Animal Services in California.

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