COVID-19 updates: State of Texas reports record-high case count COVID-19 hospitalizations are also up to 9,628 statewide, and a record-high 2,828 in North Texas, where they’ve gone up 85% since Nov. 1. Author: WFAA Staff Updated: 5:39 PM CST December 17, 2020 This story will be updated as new information is released. Texas is reporting a record high 16,864 new COVID-19 cases today plus 3,524 new probable cases along with 266 new deaths. COVID-19 hospitalizations are also up to 9,628 statewide, and a record-high 2,828 in North Texas, where they’ve gone up 85% since Nov. 1. Collin and Denton counties have each reported more new cases in the past month than in all of April, May, June, July and August combined.