As Residents Gather, Health Director Urges Vaccines, Masks – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas County’s health director on Monday expressed concern about a possible spike in COVID-19 holidays due to crowds and Labor Day gatherings.
There has been some encouraging news that adult cases in the county may have peaked, but reported pediatric cases were still on the rise.
Downtown Dallas targets were busy on sunny holiday Monday.
Jennie Furness and her children from Allen were there with an out-of-town family to see the sights.
They brought their masks.
“It’s really frustrating that we all thought it was over now and we still have to wear masks and everything. But we wear them inside because we have to do that to protect each other, ”said Furness.
It is also recommended to keep a distance from each other outdoors. Masks are highly recommended indoors, even for those who have received COVID-19 vaccines.
“Those who are fully vaccinated can be protected, but they can still carry the virus within and spread it to others,” said Dr. Philip Huang, Dallas County Director of Health and Human Services.
Deep Ellum’s shops and restaurants were busy with visitors when an ambulance pulled by on Main Street heading for Baylor University Medical Center.
North Texas hospitals are still very busy due to COVID-19.
“We have a lot of high transmission rates and our health system is extremely stressed, so we need to do things safely,” said Huang.
The video of screaming teenagers lying close together at high school soccer games on Friday night in north Texas also worried the health director.
“Very worrying. And again, those who are vaccinated, we are glad they are vaccinated. Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated has to get it now, ”said Huang.
High school students are old enough to be vaccinated. Children under the age of 12 do not.
Furness said her children are too young to get COVID-19 vaccinations.
“We have to protect the children,” she said.
While some people say they are tired of wearing masks, a couple from Miami said they were vaccinated and were still wearing masks as they walked through downtown Dallas on Labor Day.
“Sure they’ll get tired of it, but it doesn’t make a big difference to us whether we wear the mask up or down,” said Lyly Mai.
It would be weeks before the outcome of the COVID-19 transmission from Labor Day gatherings would be available.
To encourage vaccination, Dallas County commissioners will vote on Tuesday for $ 455,000 for vaccination incentives, including $ 20 State Fair vouchers or $ 25 Walmart gift cards.
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