Mesquite has had 346 new, confirmed COVID-19 cases this week, a drop in reported cases from the previous week’s numbers.

As of Sept. 24, confirmed cases of COVID-19 reached 19,845 in Mesquite, according to a county report.

Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed cases in the city since the beginning of the pandemic, and how much that number has increased in recent weeks.

The city’s total number of COVID-19 cases, which includes probable cases, is 22,839 as of Sept. 24. The week before, that number was 22,425.

Eleven Mesquite residents died in the past week from the virus, raising the total to 375 deaths, according to KXAS-TV (NBC5).

The city has also had 68% of its adult residents receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to data from Dallas County.

COVID-19 case numbers in Mesquite dropped when vaccinations became accessible to all adults across the state. 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 — particularly among unvaccinated people.

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 the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, told The News he expects the two-dose Moderna and Pfizer vaccines can still offer up to 90% protection against the variant, while one dose of the vaccines could offer up to 50% protection.

Gov. Greg Abbott eliminated the statewide mask mandate and allowed businesses to open at full capacity in early March.

In May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 didn’t need to wear face masks or social distance at gatherings of any size. However, the CDC changed course on its masking guidelines on July 28, recommending face coverings even for vaccinated people in parts of the country where coronavirus is surging — such as North Texas.

Masks are now mandatory in Dallas County schools, businesses and county buildings, per an executive order issued by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins on Aug. 11.

Here’s how coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has affected Mesquite and how the city’s vaccination rates compare to others nearby.

Coronavirus cases

Dallas County’s case counts for the city are updated Tuesday and Friday. The COVID-19 tracker data from NBC-5 keeps a daily count of cases and deaths for cities, including Mesquite.

Dallas County also tracks vaccination rates across local cities. Here’s a look at Mesquite’s vaccination rates compared to nearby cities and the county average, as of Sept. 24.

Vaccination rates in Mesquite and neighboring cities

Changes around the city

• The city’s new solid waste ordinance takes effect Oct. 1. Here’s what you need to know.
• Mesquite Social Services, which served Mesquite-area residents for nearly 58 years, announced it would close, citing the pandemic.
• All water utility customers having financial challenges paying their bill are encouraged to contact Water Utility Billing at 972-216-6208.
• More information can be found on the city’s coronavirus website.

Education

• Masks are required in Mesquite ISD as of Aug. 12.
• Mesquite ISD launched a COVID-19 dashboard to track cases of the coronavirus.
• The district also has an online reporting tool for students and staff to notify the district of COVID-19 cases or close exposures.