Coronavirus: Statewide Numbers Skewed by Backlogged Tests

SAN ANGELO, TX – On Monday the Texas Department of State Health Services reported that several commercial laboratories have submitted backlogs of test results to DSHS this week. As the backlogged test results are added to the electronic reporting system, some counties are receiving notification of COVID positive results that were previously diagnosed but not reported to the local health department at the time the test was completed. For this reason, the statewide confirmed case counts and some county case counts will include some older cases over the next few days. DSHS works daily with laboratories to facilitate reporting to ensure local jurisdictions receive timely laboratory reports.  Patients were notified at the time of diagnosis through a separate process. 

A backlog of 5,195 confirmed cases were included in the statewide total count, but were excluded from the statewide and Dallas county new confirmed cases (166). See their website here for more information: https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/2019-novel-coronavirus.php.

The Department of Health and Human Services reported 4,845,105 total tests administered with approximately 127,099 active cases of coronavirus in Texas. 

Monday's update showed a continued rise in the total number of confirmed cases reported with approximately 542,950 listed in the daily report.

Statewide fatality numbers increased from the 9,602 previously reported to the 10,034 listed in the update.

DSHS reported there have been approximately 405,817 recoveries statewide. 

The Texas counties with the highest number of active cases are Harris county with 92,253 active cases, followed by Dallas with 63,428, and Bexar with 36,086.

The Texas counties with the highest number of fatalities currently are Harris county with 1,838, followed by Bexar with 892, and Dallas with 826.

The Texas counties with the highest number of reported recoveries are Harris county with 63,577 followed by Dallas with 47,044, and Bexar with 30,302.

According to DSHS, the state averages approximately 2,713 new cases of COVID-19 daily with an estimated 51 new coronavirus related fatalities.

An updated report from DSHS shows approximately 6,200 active hospitalizations due to COVID-19.

Statewide Testing Data is as Follows:

•  4,845,105 - Total Tests Administered
• 4,476,167 - Total Molecular Tests Administered
• 17,887 - Total Antigen Test Administered
• 2,694 - Positive Antigen Tests
• 322,433 - Total Anti-Body Test Administered
• 23,797 - Total Positive Anti-Body Tests

* DSHS is currently reporting a 11.87 % positivity rate throughout the state. 

Statewide Hospital Availability Levels are as Follows:

• 55,018 - Total Staffed Hospital Beds Available
• 12,180 - Total Available Hospital Beds
• 1,263 - Available ICU Beds
• 6,902 - Available Ventilators
• 6,200 - Patients Currently Hospitalized