In Grand Prairie, five COVID-19 deaths this week as cases slow

Five Grand Prairie residents died in the past week from COVID-19, according to the city.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Grand Prairie has reached 30,333 since the pandemic began last year, an increase of 330 over last week.

Grand Prairie has recorded a total of 332 COVID-related deaths since the pandemic began, according to the city’s dashboard.

In North Texas, severe cases of COVID-19 are expected to continue their decline from the current wave’s peak in early September.

The latest forecast from UT Southwestern Medical Center predicts that hospitalizations will fall to about 380 in Dallas County, and about 450 in Tarrant County, by Oct. 21. Both decreases would put hospitalizations about 40 percent below the current patient levels.

Grand Prairie is 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

Since returning to school on Aug. 11, 1,090 students and 257 staff have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the district’s dashboard.

Of those cases, 38 students and seven staff have active cases.

The district implemented numerous COVID-19 protocols, including frequent classroom cleanings to health assessments. Protective masks are optional.

Testing

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

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.