DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- A model put together by UT Southwestern Medical center predicts a 20% spike in COVID-19 related hospitalizations in DFW in the next two weeks.
The data also shows an increase of younger patients, between 21-40 years old, testing positive for COVID-19 and being hospitalized.
Infectious disease experts from UTSW are urging people to practice social distancing and wear masks as Fourth of July weekend approaches.
Dr. Julie Trivedi Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease said whenever there is a large gathering, you don’t see the full impact until 14 days later.
She said it’s too early to tell about protests but they’re attributing the spike in cases from large gatherings during recent holidays.
“I think the important thing to remember is there are still ways to do things safely so if participating in these events is important to you, make sure to utilize a mask, make sure to keep some sort of distance and implement hand hygiene,” said Trivedi .
Dr. Mujeeb Basit UTSW Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine/Cardiology
said they saw an uptick in cases during the time of Mother’s Day and Easter, but that’s curve has since flattened. However, Basit said they are still seeing the affects from Memorial Day Weekend and that’s what makes things difficult. “Before the curve has time to flatten out we are going to get into July 4th and other active weekends, then instead of linear growth it’s more of a multiplication of cases and that is what’s really concerning,” said Basit.
Basit said there’s no single solution for a community this big but they will constantly get the information out there so more people implement CDC guidelines. 
He said wearing a mask will really help limit the spread of COVID-19.
On Monday, Dallas County reporting another single-day high of new COVID19 cases. The county jumping 10% from its previous single-day high of 413 when it reported 454 new cases Monday. The County also reporting three additional deaths.
Tarrant County reported 171 new cases and two deaths.
