In response to the increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths in the Rio Grande Valley, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez issued a home shelter order Monday, ordering residents to remain in your home, obey curfews, and wear face covers in public.
Under the order, residents are only allowed to leave their homes for necessary reasons or to obtain the necessary resources, such as medications or doctor visits. Anyone under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while away from home for these activities.
A curfew is established for residents over the age of 18 from 10 pm to 5 am
The order takes effect on Wednesday and expires on August 5.
“Our increase in numbers and deaths say we need to take action now and do what is best for our community,” Cortez said in a press release. “This action will help us do the right thing to save and protect each other from this deadly disease by taking refuge at home.”
John Wittman, spokesman for Governor Greg Abbott, explained that without the power of the Governor, the order can only be taken as a recommendation.
“This order does not have a compliance mechanism, making it simply a recommendation that they stay home if they can, which Governor Abbott supports,” Wittman said in a text message Monday. However, this order does not oblige companies to close in the Rio Grande Valley. The application of existing protocols, including the use of face covers, has been shown to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It is essential that local authorities enforce existing orders. “
After the order, an individual’s second violation, and each subsequent violation, cannot exceed a $ 250 fine.
Travel must also be limited to no more than two people per vehicle for essential travel, according to the order.
Four people per vehicle is the limit for essential health care operations, government functions, essential business services, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Security and Infrastructure Agency.
Under the order, residents are only allowed to leave their residence to visit educational institutions to pick up materials, to work, or if required by the police. Non-residents are also allowed to travel back to their homes outside of the county.
People can also leave their homes for outdoor activities, such as visiting parks. However, in all public spaces, everyone must maintain a 6-foot distance from others.
In addition, the order states that it is “highly recommended and recommended” that commercial businesses in the county stop providing all services in person and switch to sidewalk, car, or take-away services.
Following Abbott’s order that bans outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people, unless Cortez or the city’s mayor allows it, outdoor venues cannot operate at more than half their capacity. This refers to sporting events, swimming pools, water parks, zoos, and amusement parks.
The new county order is the second that requires residents to stay home. The first occurred during the start of the first virus cases in the county in March, and local orders grew rapidly to include curfews and business closings with essential worker exceptions, this before Abbott began reopening the state. in phases between May and June.
Read the new order in its entirety here.
The news of the order came Monday night, moments before the county also confirmed 34 more deaths from COVID-19 complications, and 524 other cases of the virus.
The youngest among the individuals who died includes an Alton man in his 30s, according to a county press release.
“I offer the most sincere condolences as I grieve with friends and families who said goodbye to their loved ones today,” Cortez said in a press release that confirmed the case’s activity on Monday. “If we collectively confront this virus by taking the proper precautions, we can help save our neighbors from this horrible disease.” Continue to Shelter at Home, wear face covers and limit mass gatherings. “
The new cases Monday raised the county total to 12,787.
There were also 108 individuals released from isolation on Monday, leaving 7,203 cases active in the county.
In addition, according to the statement, there are currently 1,024 people fighting COVID-19 currently receiving care in local hospitals, of whom 228 are in intensive care units.
So far, 76,297 COVID-19 tests have been administered in the county.
Cameron County also reported 15 additional deaths from the disease Monday along with 322 new cases, according to a county press release. Among the new cases, 182 reside in Brownsville.
The death toll there is now 111 with 6,213 total cases.
According to the statement, 128 people recovered on Monday, leaving 3,254 active cases there.
Starr County also confirmed 21 new cases of the disease, reflecting activity on Sunday, bringing the total there to 1,428.
Of the total number of cases, 951 remain active. There were no reports of new deaths from the virus, leaving the number of deaths there at five and 32 deaths still pending state confirmation.
Additionally, Willacy County reported a new case of coronavirus, that of a woman in her 50s. The total number of cases seen there now is 474.
Writer Naxiely Lopez-Puente contributed to this report.
