Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez signed a new county order Monday for all Hidalgo County residents and visitors.
The new emergency orders include a home shelter, curfew, essential travel limitations, and a requirement to wear facial covers outdoors, according to a county press release.
“Our increase in numbers and deaths indicate that we must take action now and do what is best for our community,” said Judge Richard F. Cortez. “This action will help us do the right thing to save and protect each other from this deadly disease by taking refuge at home.”
The orders will take effect on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2020.
According to the press release, the order includes the following directives:
1. All persons currently living in Hidalgo County, Texas are ordered to take refuge in their home. It is recommended and recommended that all commercial companies operating within Hidalgo County, except essential covered companies, discontinue all activities in facilities that cannot be provided by sidewalk, roadside, or take-away services.
2. There will be a curfew for all persons eighteen (18) years of age and older from 10 pm to 5 am The only exceptions are for a medical emergency, to provide covered essential services or any other purpose permitted under this Order.
3. To the greatest extent possible, all trips during SHELTER-AT-HOME and CURFEW within the jurisdiction of Hidalgo to the County should be limited to obtaining or performing essential covered services. Travel must be limited to no more than two (2) people per vehicle for people who obtain essential services, and four people per vehicle.
4. Every person in Hidalgo County must cover their face and nose when inside a business entity or other building or space open to the public, or when they are in a public space outdoors; where it is not feasible to keep six feet (6) of physical distance from another person who is not in the same home.
5. Any outdoor meeting of ten (10) or more persons is prohibited unless the Mayor of the City in which the meeting is held, or the Hidalgo County Judge in the case of a meeting in a non-area built-in, approve the meeting. Outdoor areas or outdoor locations shall operate at no more than fifty percent (50%) as outlined in the order.
