Richardson surpasses 10,000 COVID-19 cases and other pandemic information

Richardson has had at least 10,248 total cases of COVID-19 and 150 deaths, according to the most recent information available.

Throughout the pandemic, the city has not collected its own data, and Collin County commissioners voted in November to remove all data from its dashboard except hospitalizations. The Richardson totals are from Dallas County and do not include the portion of the city that falls in Collin County.

The new omicron variant of the coronavirus emerged globally in late November, raising concerns about potential surges in cases. The first case of the omicron variant in Texas was reported on Dec. 6.

Dr. John Hellerstedt, a Department of State Health Services commissioner, told The Dallas Morning News that the variant’s arrival in Texas was unsurprising.

“It’s normal for viruses to mutate, and given how quickly omicron spread in southern Africa, we’re not surprised that it showed up here,” Hellerstedt said.

The omicron variant, first detected in South Africa, appears to have more than 30 mutations in the coronavirus’ spike protein, which could affect how easily it spreads to people.

U.S. health officials are urging unvaccinated Americans to get their shots and eligible adults to get booster shots.

The Department of State Health Services has posted information about when and where Texas residents can get a vaccine. Primary-course shots and boosters are open to all adults. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, go here.

Richardson coronavirus cases

Dallas County’s case counts for cities are updated periodically, and the state dashboard for county totals is updated daily.

The number of deaths in Richardson is based on KXAS-TV (NBC5) totals.

Richardson ISD has also created a portal for tracking COVID-19 cases within the school system.