Hidalgo County COVID-19 death toll climbs to 807

The death toll of COVID-19 related deaths added 17 more souls over the weekend, bringing the death total to 807.

Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez announced the new number in a Sunday news release that said an additional 207 learned that they have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus on Sunday and Saturday.

The total number of known positive cases in the county is now 19,741 with 4,114 of those cases marked as active, the release stated.

“I am saddened the death toll continues to rise,” Judge Cortez said. “My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of those who have died and my prayers go out to those who have contracted this awful disease. My hope is that we begin to see a downward trend in these numbers because people are staying home and staying safe by avoiding others.”

 115,448 COVID-19 tests have been administered throughout the county with free testing being offered throughout the week in Pharr and the City of Hidalgo.

Hospitalizations were not reported Sunday but as of Friday there were 692 people hospitalized with the virus with 246 of them being treated in intensive care units.

574 people were released from isolation in the last two days, bringing the total amount of people released from isolation to 14,819.

Starr County reported a total of 23 new cases over the same period. The total of known COVID-19 cases in the county is now at2,488 with 859 recoveries and 1,607 people recovering under medical care.