COVID-19 cases are still on the rise in Irving. Here’s what you should know

Irving continues to have one of the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Dallas County.

The city has recorded 297 COVID-19 related deaths, including seven in the past week.

Since the pandemic began, the city has recorded 35,262 cases, an increase of 641 over the past week, according to the Dallas County Health Department.

In Dallas County, only Dallas itself and Garland have more cases, both current and total.

Newly reported cases bring the county’s overall case total to 386,543, including 329,013 confirmed and 57,530 probable. The death toll is 4,636.

New admissions for coronavirus are declining in the four most populous North Texas counties, according to the latest forecast from UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The number of hospitalizations in Dallas County is expected to fall steeply, to about 600 by mid-October. Currently, 765 people are hospitalized for COVID-19 in the county.

Masks are working to slow the spread of COVID in Dallas County and North Texas, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said in an earlier written statement. “We need more vaccinations if we are ever going to defeat COVID-19.”

According to the state, 1,554,124 people in Dallas County have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while 1,320,897 — 60.6 percent of the county’s population 12 and older — are fully vaccinated. The state also reported 34,639 people in Dallas County have received a third dose of the vaccine since Aug. 13.

Dallas County’s case counts for Irving are updated Tuesday and Friday.

Schools

Since returning to school Aug. 16, 124 staff members and 705 students have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the district’s dashboard. Of those cases, 124 are active.

Masks are optional in Irving ISD.

Businesses

Irving has a hotline for people who need help with food, employment, housing and more. Email COVID-19@cityofirving.org to seek help.

The city launched a program aimed at helping small businesses that have suffered financially from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Independently owned franchises are now eligible to apply, as well as sole proprietors and home-based business owners. Businesses can receive up to $50,000 in forgivable loans.

Testing

Testing sites are available throughout Irving, including at CVS, Walgreens and Kroger. Check here for a complete list.

Vaccines

Vaccines are available throughout Irving and Dallas County. For more information, go here.