3 more in Hidalgo County die from COVID-19; 248 new cases reported

The number of COVID-19 related fatalities in Hidalgo County rose to 35 after the county reported three more deaths Monday.

The deaths came from three individuals, a Weslaco man in his 30s and two McAllen individuals-a man and woman in their 70s and 80s-all had underlying medical conditions according to a news release from the county.

In the release, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez expressed condolences to the victim’s families.

“I met with hospital administrators from across the county and their message was unified and clear: we as a community are in control,” Cortez stated. “If we take the necessary precautions such as wearing facial coverings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining social distancing then we can help save lives.”

Their deaths come as 248 people learned they tested positive for the virus, bringing the total number of known positive cases to 3,542.

There are currently 2,412 net active cases and 3,879 test results are pending, the release stated.

Among those recovering from the virus is Hidalgo County Clerk Arturo Guajardo, Jr. who is recovering from home.

In a Monday news release, Guajardo Jr. said he wants to serve as a cautionary tale that anyone can get this disease.

The 51-year-old said he came into contact with someone who later tested positive for COVID-19 while on vacation two weeks ago decided to self-isolate.

“Please, for your own sake and the sake of your loved ones, continue to practice social distancing, wear a mask when out in public and only go out when you absolutely have to,” Guajardo said. “Even though I am healthy, active, and strong and took all precautions, I was not immune to it.”

The amount of people hospitalized with COVID-19 related complications rose to 257 with 18 of those cases are being treated in intensive care units.

23 people were released from isolation on Monday meaning that they have been symptom-free for 10 days, including three days without a fever.