ARLINGTON (WBAP/KLIF)- Governor Greg Abbott is in Arlington addressing the first death of COVID-19 in Tarrant County, the second death in North Texas.
Abbott said they’re testing everyone at the Texas Masonic Retirement Center in Arlington, where 77-year-old resident Patrick James died from the Coronavirus.
“We are conducting a full trace of all movement of anyone who had contact with Patrick James or his wife, or had any exposure to COVID-19, to get tested,” said Abbott.
Abbott said when he arrived in Arlington there were already 2,500 test kits available to help in this process.
Abbott also re-assured first responders and local health providers that the state will do whatever it can to provide resources. “We will provide whatever type of resources, support, or equipment….anything they need to make sure they are fully able to respond and contain any kind of exposure in this particular situation,” said Abbott.
Abbott also announced that he fully activated the Texas National Guard to help fight COVID-19.
Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said James had underlying health issues and died before test results came back positive for COVID-19.
Whitley said he had no known travel, making him the second localized spread in the county.
His wife, 75-year-old Jean also presumably has the Coronavirus, she is in isolation.
