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.

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Sound off

Dallas residents can help shape future of libraries via online survey

Photo by Devon Divine on Unsplash

Dallas libraries want residents' input.

This time, it's okay for library goers not to be quiet. Dallas residents who care about the future of the city's library system can make their voices heard in a survey accessible online through the end of the month.

The City of Dallas, Dallas Public Library (DPL), and Friends of the Dallas Public Library (FoDPL) have launched an online questionnaire to gather resident feedback and insights into the use of Dallas public libraries. The input gathered, they say, will help inform plans for new models of library service in response to budget reductions that the library system currently faces.

"The City of Dallas, DPL and FoDPL encourage all City of Dallas residents to complete the questionnaire and to share it with their networks and communities to help inform future decision-making about DPL," says a release.

The online questionnaire can be taken in English and in Spanish, and paper copies will be available at Dallas Public Library locations.

The 29-question survey is multiple choice and wide ranging. It starts with questions about how much individuals use the library system, how informed they feel about its services, and whether city funding should be increased or decreased.

Several questions are based on this premise: "Dallas Public Library is considering a new regional service model that would create five Flagship libraries located across the city and close four neighborhood locations. These Flagship libraries would be open seven days a week, offer extended hours, and provide additional programs and services. The remaining neighborhood branch libraries would continue to offer core services."

Currently proposed for closure are the Arcadia Park, Skyline, Renner Frankford, and Oak Lawn branches.

Survey-takers are asked whether they support or oppose the proposed model, what would change their view, and whether the specific branch closures would affect them. They're also asked for input on additional services the libraries can provide.

The survey will close on February 26, 2026.

Find the full survey link here.

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