504 new COVID-19 cases reported in Hidalgo, Starr counties

A combined 504 new cases of COVID-19 were reported Friday in the counties of Hidalgo and Starr.

431 of those cases came from Hidalgo County, which also reported 25 new COVID-19 related deaths.

The amount of known positive cases in Hidalgo County now stands at 19,534 with 4,499 of those cases marked as active. The county COVID-19 death toll now stands at 790, Hidalgo County said in a Friday news release.

“I send my deepest condolences to the families of the 25 individuals for the loss of their loved one,” Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez said. “Adhering to the shelter at home order has helped our community slow the spread of COVID-19. With the newly extended emergency order that took effect yesterday, I am asking the public to continue practicing the recommendations of our medical experts by continuing to shelter at home, wear a mask and practice good hygiene.”

535 people were released from isolation on Friday, meaning that they have been symptom-free for 10 days including three days without a fever. A total of 14,245  people have been released from isolation.

There are currently 692 people hospitalized with complications from the virus with 246 of those cases being treated in intensive care units.

Starr County meanwhile reported 73 new cases of the disease, bringing the county total to 2,478 with 859 of those cases marled as recovered.

1,597 of those patients are recovering under medical care.