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Since the outbreak of the coronavirus earlier this year, the city of Garland has recorded a total of 17,376 cases, according to the city’s website.
To date, more than 7% of Garland’s total population has had the virus, the city says.
As of Wednesday, that number includes 4,953 active cases. The statistics include 12,277 recoveries and 146 deaths.
That sum includes 17 new deaths since last Wednesday.
Last week, Garland has started administering the Moderna coronavirus vaccine to frontline healthcare workers, but it is unclear when the next round of vaccines will arrive.
With an estimated population of 239,928 residents, most of Garland is located in Dallas County, with small portions crossing over into Collin and Rockwall counties. At the county level, Dallas County does not report which cases are considered active or recovered.
| Garland | Dallas County | |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed cases | 17,376 | 189,252 |
| Active cases | 4,953 | Not available |
| Recoveries | 12,277 | Not available |
| Deaths | 146 | 1,955 |
Several cases have been recorded in nursing homes, according to the city’s figures. Garland is home to six nursing homes that must test all residents and staff members in compliance with Gov. Greg Abbott’s order.
On March 9, Mayor Scott LeMay issued a declaration of disaster. On March 21, the mayor issued an amended declaration that introduced several new measures.
The state has mandated that Texans wear masks in public to prevent the spread of the virus.
Here’s more about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Garland, including information about testing and what city services and facilities are open:
Testing locations
The city maintains a list of clinics and health care facilities where residents can obtain a COVID-19 test at no cost.
What’s open or closed
Some city offices are already operating at 25% capacity, although the city encourages residents to call ahead and ensure that in-person services are available.
A phased reopening of the Garland Municipal Court started June 15, and the Garland City Library reopened the same day. Other branch libraries began reopening the following day, although all libraries are operating on a modified schedule for the time being.
City recreational centers are operating at 25% capacity. Parks, trails, tennis courts and disc golf courses have opened on a limited basis.
Swimming lessons started at Holford Pool on June 22 and began at Wynne Pool on July 6. However, no city-owned aquatics facilities will be open to the general public this year.
The City of Garland Health Department urges residents to maintain social distancing, regularly wash their hands, and avoid going out while sick, among other measures.
Education
Garland ISD held the first four weeks of classes virtually, but some students returned to campus on Sept. 8.
Garland ISD has announced that students are allowed to choose between in-class instruction and online learning for the rest of the school year.
The district has recorded more than 1,600 coronavirus cases thus far.
If you need help
As the economic ramifications of the pandemic continue to take a toll on many Garland residents and businesses, the city is also offering residents several options for relief.
Those options include rental and mortgage assistance for many Garland residents, while others may qualify for expanded property tax exemptions, among other forms of assistance.