Hidalgo County COVID-19 death count climbs to 150, 313 people test positive over the weekend

Eight more souls in Hidalgo County lost their lives from COVID-19 complications over the weekend as the county passed the 8,000 mark of known cases in the county.

According to a Sunday news release from the county,  eight more people died from the virus, bringing the total number of fatalities to 150 Health officials also reported 313 new cases of COVID-19, making the total number of known positive cases is now at 8,040.

 Among the deaths are five males and three women from the cities of Alton, Edinburg, Mcallen, Mission, Pharr and Edinburg. Their ages ranged from their 40s to 70+, according to the release.

 “I am deeply saddened by today’s devastating news as friends and families mourn the loss of their loved ones. My sympathies are shared with each and every one of you,” Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez said. “I urge the community to step up and take control of this deadly virus by protecting each other and doing what we know saves lives.”

127 more patients were released from isolation on Sunday, bringing the total number of patients released from isolation to 3,016. 4,874 of the total known COVID-19 cases in the county are marked active.

Of those cases, 786 patients are in area hospitals with cOVID-19 complications as 200 of those individuals are being treated in intensive care units.

1,117 COVID-19 tests remain pending as of Sunday.

 Starr County health Authority Dr. Jose Vasquez reported 45 new cases of COVID-19 late Saturday night. The county is now facing 1,102 total known cases of the virus with 296 recoveries, 801 people recovering under medical care and 31 fatalities. 26 of those fatalities are pending confirmation from the state.