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During the coronavirus pandemic, the Houston Methodist emergency department separates people for symptoms after the temperature at the entrance is verified.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the Houston Methodist emergency department separates people for symptoms after the temperature at the entrance is verified.
Photo: Contributed / Houston Methodist Creative Services
During the coronavirus pandemic, the Houston Methodist emergency department separates people for symptoms after the temperature at the entrance is verified.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the Houston Methodist emergency department separates people for symptoms after the temperature at the entrance is verified.
Photo: Contributed / Houston Methodist Creative Services
The rise of COVID-19 in rural Texas has turned into a deepening public health crisis for Hidalgo County, where officials issued an order Sunday that requires those who test positive for the virus not leave home for 14 days under threat of criminal prosecution.
On Sunday night, Hidalgo County officials addressed the public at a Facebook Live event, asking them to heed the warning. Hidalgo County reported 1,320 new cases of COVID-19 and 17 deaths on Sunday.
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“Who would have thought on March 21, when we had the first incident from someone who tested positive, that Hidalgo County would be caught in this pandemic with such tragic numbers,” said Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez.
According to health officials, the situation has become serious in the Rio Grande Valley, and action must be taken. According to The Texas Tribune, some patients had to wait up to 10 hours for ambulances to take them to Hidalgo County emergency rooms. The order is not only for residents who test positive, but also for anyone living with someone who tests positive.
“This must be a total effort because we have a difficult war ahead, but if we unite, we can certainly solve this problem,” said Dr. Victor González. “If you suspect that you have been infected, and if you have been fortunate enough to go to one of those centers to receive the test and it is positive, then you need to isolate yourself.”
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Dr. Ivan Melendez of the Hidalgo County Health Authority added that the Rio Grande Valley had become a COVID-19 access point.
“During the past 24 hours, we have had more than 40 deaths,” said Meléndez. “For the first time, we have had more than 300 people in the ICU unit. The numbers speak for themselves … Texas is not only a hot spot, but the Rio Grande Valley is a hot spot.”
When Hidalgo County officials issued the warning, residents expressed concern.
According to Governor Greg Abbott’s office, five U.S. Navy teams were deployed at four different locations in South and Southwest Texas, including Harlingen, Del Rio Eagle Pass, and Rio Grande City.
“The support of our federal partners is crucial in our work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities across Texas,” said Abbott.
