Tarrant County reported five more COVID-19 deaths and 816 new cases Saturday. Further, 51 percent of the population of Tarrant County has been fully vaccinated. According to Texas Department of State Health Services, 51.14% of residents 12 or older have been fully vaccinated.
The latest deaths include a man and a woman from Fort Worth in their 70s, another man in the 90s, a Mansfield man in his 80s, and an Arlington woman in her 80s. All those who recently died had underlying health conditions, officials pointed out.
According to the department, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Tarrant County since the pandemic began is 278,749. Of such cases, 3,676 died. The recovery is estimated at 262,504. In Tarrant County, Fort Worth has the most number of deaths at 1,504. Arlington comes in second at 712, Mansfield gets the third spot at 144, North Richland is at 126, and Bedford is at 115.
As for the vaccinations in the country, 59.34 percent of residents aged 12 or older have received one dose in Tarrant County. Vaccinations and COVID-19 tests remain free in Tarrant County. As per the data, 84.6% of Tarrant residents 65 or older have received at least one dose, and 77.6% of residents 65 or older have been fully inoculated.
More than 63.3% of Texas residents 12 or older have got at least one dose, according to DSHS. Fully vaccinated Texas residents 12 or older are at 53.4%.
The free testing aims to help identify the cases and help the patients receive the early care that they need. The health officials want to reduce the increase of the threat, thus the accessible locations for COVID-19 testing. The testing centers will be on a rotating schedule.
Officials also urge citizens that if they get exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive or is feeling some symptoms, it is crucial to get tested. In a statement, Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said: “Testing remains an important tool in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. The county’s testing is free and easily accessible, so there is no reason not to get tested if you suspect you may have COVID-19.”