Hidalgo County sees its first death from COVID-19

ALAMO, Texas – A 76-year-old Alamo man with underlying medical conditions has became the first resident of Hidalgo County to die after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Willacy and Cameron counties have also seen one death as a result of the pandemic.

The case of the Alamo man was confirmed Tuesday evening by Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez.

Cortez said the man had been hospitalized for several weeks with a number of health issues and was recently tested for the coronavirus strain. His identity was not revealed.

“This is a dangerous disease,” Judge Cortez said. “We must act by following the recommendations of medical experts and stay away from people. The safest place these days is our homes.”

Cortez said there were 15 new positive COVID-19 cases reported to Hidalgo County health officials on Tuesday, including the Alamo man who died later in the day. 

“This brings the total number of Hidalgo County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 to 128 people. Of those, a total of 17 have been hospitalized; three people who had been in a hospital were released because their conditions have improved,” a news release from health officials said.

Health officials have told local authorities that they have positive cases in their community. Each of those testing positive, as well as any family members must isolate themselves at home.

The latest round of those testing positive include:

Stay-At-Home

Meanwhile, Hidalgo County adopted stricter stay-at-home measures on Tuesday in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus. 

The new order institutes a curfew for young people. In addition, residents they been told to wear facial coverings when outdoors.

And, the county has adopted more stringent work safe measures for non-essential businesses operating in unincorporated areas.

The current Shelter-in-Place order was extended until April 30. 

“Additional measures have been added to the Order,” said Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. “We are taking the best measures to place the public in the best position in order to flatten the curve of the cornavirus.”

With regard to the young people of Hidalgo County, Cortez said  a new 24-hour curfew for persons under age 17 has been ordered, unless the minor is accompanied by a parent or engaged in an essential service or emergency.

He said the existing Shelter-At-Home mandate will also become a curfew for everyone ages 18 and older between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Only people engaged in essential services or emergencies may be out on the streets between these hours.

To the extent possible, vehicle travel should be limited to two occupants for essential business and to four occupants per vehicle for healthcare functions, government functions, retail services and critical infrastructure, Cortez said.

Facial coverings will be required for all persons three years-old and older while outdoors, including but not limited to entering any building open to the public; when on business parking lots; when using public transportation; and when pumping gas. 

The new order says restaurant workers must wear facial coverings when providing take-out, drive-through or delivery of food. The facial coverings include homemade masks, scarves, bandanas, and handkerchiefs. 

Medical grade masks are discouraged so as not to interrupt the supply of these masks to healthcare professionals. 

“I have been relying on health experts at the local, state and national level and all of them suggest this disease will continue to spread exponentially over the next few weeks,” Judge Cortez said. 

“My objective in issuing these new orders is to slow that spread in Hidalgo County so we save lives, we don’t overwhelm our healthcare providers and we protect our frontline personnel.”

Cortez added: “The basis for the orders is simple,” Judge Cortez said. “We must all assume we are carrying the virus. Every action we take must be done with the consideration that we will not spread it to those around us. By taking these actions now, we are improving our chances of returning to some sense of normalcy sooner than later.”

Click here to view the new order.

Cameron County

Cameron County Public Health received confirmation of seven additional cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday. As in previous days, some of the new cases are tied to two nursing homes in Harlingen.

This raises the total number of cases to 108 in Cameron County. Of the 108 cases, 20 individuals have been cleared.

The seven new cases:

All of the seven cases reported are links to previously identified cases, including two residents from Windsor Atrium and one resident from Veranda Nursing Home. Cameron County Public Health said it is continuing its investigation and will provide updates as they are received. 

For information on coronavirus, please contact the Cameron County Coronavirus Hotline at (956) 247-3650, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or refer to the Cameron County Public Health website for more information and updates at http://www.cameroncounty.us/publichealth/index.php/coronavirus/.