Five more COVID-19 deaths confirmed; TCPH Director urges everyone to strictly follow all Executive orders

Tarrant County Public Health confirms five more COVID-19 deaths;
TCPH Director urges everyone to strictly follow all Executive Orders

April 7, 2020 (Tarrant County, TX) – Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) today reported five more residents have died due to the COVID-19 virus.  Two of the deceased are from Fort Worth, one is from River Oaks and one is from Grand Prairie and one from Haltom City.  Two of the patients had underlying health conditions.

Ages of the patients ranged from 47 to 88; all were hospitalized locally. “It is very unfortunate and disheartening for our community to see the death toll rising from COVID-19” said Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja.

Tarrant County has now seen a total of 18 confirmed deaths from the COVID-19 virus.

He strongly urged all residents to strictly follow the Executive Orders issued this past week by County Judge Glen Whitley and engage only in essential activities; stay home as much as possible; and maintain social distancing.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to follow these directives,” Taneja said. “This is not the time to be complacent. We can get through this, but only if everyone does their part and follows the guidelines without exception,” he said. “These are difficult times for all of us; and particularly for the families and friends of those we have lost to this disease. Our hearts go out to them.”

“Based on all the reports we are seeing, we could very well be about to see a spike in COVID-19 activity in our county,” he said.  “Although it is difficult to predict, we must do everything we can to prepare ourselves for what may be ahead. Early indications are that we could be looking at significant numbers of positive cases and many more deaths,” he said. 

COVID-19 causes respiratory illness with cough, fever and shortness of breath and may lead to bronchitis and severe pneumonia. All residents should continue to practice the following preventive measures to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus:

• Stay home as much as possible.
• If you do go out, wear a mask or scarf to cover your mouth and nose.
• Practice social distancing by staying six feet away from others when you are out.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you experience difficulty breathing or persistent fever, call your primary care provider.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve.
• Frequently clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces.

For more information go to coronavirus.tarrantcounty.com or call the Tarrant County Public Health information line, 817-248-6299, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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