Hidalgo County to suspend county operations

Beginning next Monday, Hidalgo County will suspend “normal operations” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hidalgo County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Tuesday to suspend these operations beginning Monday, March 30 through Monday, April 27, according to a news release from the county.

The suspension of normal operations includes a provision in which county elected officials and department heads will determine how many employees must stay – and which ones – so that the essential functions of county government may continue.  County officials are using guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other resources in assessing critical functions.

Among the departments deemed most critical are those associated with law enforcement, the health department and emergency management.

“This is a necessary step to mitigate the spread of coronavirus in Hidalgo County,” County Judge Richard F. Cortez said. “As we continue to say, the best defense against the spread of this highly contagious disease is to stay home.”