Mission pharmacist and city council member Alberto “Beto” Vela confirmed Wednesday he was positive for COVID-19.
According to a press release from the city, Vela tested positive on March 24. Since then, Vela has been isolated at home, and will be self-quarantined for fourteen days.
Mission City Councilman Alberto “Beto” Vela
“I tested Monday evening,” Vela said. “We just need to do our part and be vigilant.”
Vela’s case is travel-related. He attended an Eagles concert earlier this month in Houston, one of the most infected cities in the state.
“If you do feel something, it’s best to see your doctor and go from there,” Vela said. “I’m just going to wait and see what they tell me. I didn’t feel terribly sick, I thought it could just be a cold.”
A nurse practitioner friend had some tests available, and while Vela had no symptoms other than fatigue, he decided to take the test.
“I said, ah, let me take it,” Vela said. “Just to be safe.”
Vela noted that while he was initially anxious over the positive results, he is feeling better about it now. He will be resting and recuperating at home.
“I’m just quarantined in one of the rooms, and my family is in the rest of the house,” Vela said. “It’s just an adjustment, you kind of have to do what you’ve got to do to keep everybody safe.”
“It’s something we have to go through, and you just have to do your best to stay away from people and not try and pass it along,” Vela added.
Mission City Hall continues to operate but is completely closed to walk-in traffic. The deep cleaning of workstations and common areas is underway.
“We have notified everyone that was in direct contact with the affected individual, and although none have presented symptoms, they will be under self-quarantine,” City Manager Randy Perez said. “We will take every precautionary measure possible. Our number one priority is the health and safety of our staff and citizens.”
The press release stated that the city of Mission has been following all guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and the Hidalgo County Health Department since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes added safety and hygiene protocols.
“With this case so close to home, we must all be proactive to fight the spread of the coronavirus,” Mayor Dr. Armando O’Cana said. “Our City of Mission employees will maintain the highest level of services possible under these circumstances.”
Was he self quarantined when he got tested and waiting for results? Your article makes it seem he got tested and went about everyday life. Now with positive results he is staying at home? Why not before?? Need some clarification here!
Mr. Vela knowingly was out and about knowing he was feeling ill and suspected he could have been affected he proceeded to get tested for the Coronavirus days before attending City Council meeting…..he failed to self-quarantine himself, he has in my opinion committed a horrible injustice….that is a Criminal act and he should be punished for it. He has put our lives in danger as well as our families lives.
I work for the City of Mission and we as employees are extremely scared that his negligence and lack of consideration for others will cause city employees loss of work and put our families in extreme danger.
I think that this is his fault and the city should not deduct employees their well earned time…..sick days, comp days, vacation days etc….
This is very stressful and depressing that is something we do not need in our lives as we are dealing with trying to keep healthy and those around us healthy as well. God Help Us Al…..Stay strong Mission and All The Rio Grande Valley!!!!!!!