Dallas bans big gatherings after 5 new virus cases occur – including 2 victims hospitalized

DALLAS, Texas — Officials have announced a ban on gatherings and events of more than 500 people in Dallas County in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The decision came as the state's second-most populous county reported five new virus cases, two of which resulted in the victims currently being hospitalized.

The announcement happened at news conference in Dallas late Thursday night in which officials declared a local disaster in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said the order banning gatherings of more than 500 people takes effect beginning at 11 a.m. Friday and runs through March 20 unless it’s extended.

The Dallas ban is meant to "slow this down so that our health care system isn't overwhelmed," said Dr. Philip Huang, the director of Dallas County Health and Human Services.

Dallas is the third Texas county to issue a disaster declaration. The move will allow the county to receive state and federal financial assistance in coping with the virus.