Two McAllen men die from COVID-19; amount of hospitalized patients rise to 212

Two unidentified men from McAllen became the latest victims to die from complications of COVID-19 Friday.

The men, both in their 70s, had underlying medical conditions according to a Hidalgo County news release.

The county also reported 179 new positive cases of the virus, bringing the total number of known positive cases is now at 2,892.

“Today is another challenging day as we lose two of our neighbors to this dangerous disease,” Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez stated in the release as he offered condolences to families of the newest victims.

“Although it might seem to some that this virus is gone, the numbers show the opposite,” Cortez said. “This is why it’s so important to protect each other from its deadly grip by taking action through washing our hands, covering our faces and staying home unless necessary to leave.”

There amount of people hospitalized with COVID-19 related complications have risen to 212 with 19 of those cases are being treated in intensive care units. 55 people were released from isolation on Friday meaning that they have been symptom-free for 10 days, including three days without a fever., the release said.

There are currently 1,918 net active cases and 2,829 test results are pending.

Dr. Jose Vasquez, Starr County health authority, reported 22 new cases of COVID-19 in the county, bringing the total to 505 known cases.

The new cases in Starr County are from the cities of Roma, La Grulla and Rio Grande City with seven of the 22 cases coming from cities in Starr County that weren’t listed.

Their ages range from three to 71.

Of the total cases, 124 people have recovered with 378 individuals recovering under medical care.

The county has reported three fatalities and are waiting for confirmation on two more fatalities pending residential information.