Rise in Dallas-Fort Worth COVID-19 hospitalizations predicted to top winter peak

The rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is predicted to top last winter’s peak by next month, according to a model by UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The model shows hospitalizations have increased by 58 percent over the past two weeks in Dallas County, with more than 1,500 predicted by Sept. 9.

The highest number of area hospitalizations in the winter was close to 1,250.

“COVID-19 hospitalizations are expected to dramatically increase given our current pace of vaccinations, behaviors and the increased prevalence of more transmissible strains in our region,” the model states.

The fastest growth in hospitalizations is among those under the age of 18, but all age groups are seeing elevated levels.

“Older age groups however are still seeing significant increases in admissions, though slower than younger age groups,” according to the model. 

The number of people who are wearing masks in the area has reportedly increased since the surge in cases began.

Most of the new cases, consistent with the rest of the country, are from the delta variant. 

Texas has 47 percent of its residents fully vaccinated during the current surge, which is also affecting the state at large. 

The model says at the current pace of vaccinations in Dallas County, every willing and eligible person will not be vaccinated until next year.