Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – Recognizing that an Election Day tradition includes gathering together with favorite candidates to await results after the polls close, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez is urging caution in this time of COVID-19.
“Democracy comes to life on Election Day and a vibrant part of this important day includes Election Night gatherings,” Judge Cortez said. “Unfortunately, such gatherings can be ripe for the spread of the COVID-19 infection and I urge people to be careful.”
Current safety measures in place in Hidalgo County include prohibitions of gatherings involving ten or more people outdoors – unless approved by the Mayor of the Municipality where the event may occur, or the County Judge if the event is planned for unincorporated areas of Hidalgo County. Events may be held indoors, so long as the business venues have developed and are exercising “Health and Safety Practices” that includes:
· Employees and customers wearing facial coverings
· Groups separated by at least six feet
· Hand sanitation stations
· No tables with more than ten people
· Screening employees or contractors for symptoms of COVID-19
· The venue limits its occupancy to no more than 75 percent of the business’s listed maximum occupancy.
“One of the greatest attributes of our country involves elections and I applaud those citizens who participate in this process by voting and showing support for candidates on the ballot,” Judge Cortez said. “But we must face the reality that a deadly virus remains active in our community and the best way to protect ourselves is to avoid large crowds, including reconsidering whether to participate in this cherished Election Night tradition.”
