Cases of COVID-19 in Grand Prairie top 24,000; here’s what you should know

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Grand Prairie has reached 24,046 since the pandemic began last year.

Grand Prairie has recorded a total of 264 deaths COVID-related deaths, according to the city’s dashboard.

As of July 20, the city reported 14 active cases.

As the stronger, more transmissible variant of the virus sweeps across the nation, and the state, cases are back on the rise in North Texas.

According to an earlier report from, health experts suggest that the newer variant — now the dominant strain across the nation — is also more resistant to vaccinations. Dr. James Cutrell, an infectious-disease expert at UTSW, told The News he expects the two-dose Moderna and Pfizer vaccines cam still offer up to 90% protection against the variant, while one dose of the vaccines could offer up to 50% protection.

With a lower vaccination rate and an eliminated mask mandate, Texas is not expected to reach herd immunity, causing more concern for case numbers across the state.

COVID-19 vaccinations are continuing, with the city encouraging residents who are eligible for the vaccine to register online. All adults are now eligible to get the vaccine, and anyone 12 and older can get Pfizer’s vaccine.

Grand Prairie is located mostly in Dallas and Tarrant counties, with a small portion in Ellis County. Dallas County updates case numbers for cities Tuesday and Friday and does not report which cases are considered active or recovered.

Here’s more about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Grand Prairie, including information about testing and schools.

Schools

Grand Prairie ISD will implement numerous COVID-19 protocols when students and staff return to school on August 11, from frequent classroom cleanings to health assessments.

Schools will also prioritize the social and emotional health of students, with individual and group counseling, parent workshops and a districtwide wellness campaign.

The school district outlined the measures in a safety plan on its website and said it supports a return to in-person classes.

Testing

Numerous COVID-19 testing sites are available throughout the city. Check here for a complete list.

Vaccines

A walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site is open at The University of Texas at Arlington.

Run by Tarrant County and The University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, the new site aims to expand vaccine access to the southeast portion of the county and UTA’s 40,000 students. People can walk in to receive a dose or choose the day and time of their appointment online.

UTA’s site is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Physical Education Building, 801 W. Greek Row Dr. The university is offering free parking adjacent to the gym.

If you need help

As the economic ramifications of the pandemic continue to take a toll on many Grand Prairie residents and businesses, the city is also offering residents several options for relief.

Those options include rental and mortgage assistance and expanded property tax exemptions, among other forms of assistance