Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – From December 23, 2021, through today, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Hidalgo County have exceeded more than 18,000 people, reported Eduardo Olivarez, chief administrative officer for Hidalgo County Health and Human Services.
“Although we only have five confirmed Omicron variants, all indications are that Omicron is the predominant strain,” Olivarez said.
The surge in positive cases is not only affecting Hidalgo County, but the state of Texas, Olivarez reported. While his agency has been releasing new case numbers on a daily basis, they do not reflect all positive cases because of state reporting requirements. Hidalgo County health officials have been working nearly nonstop to input data into a statewide system, but the system is so overwhelmed because of the uptick that it can take up to 30 minutes to input a single case. Health officials are also helping local pharmacists input data now required by the state.
“Right now, I am not convinced that a course correction, especially any type of restriction of activities, is necessary,” said Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. “I am in constant contact with local and state health experts and I am fully prepared to change course if they believe it can help. But the message has been consistent with them – they recommend following CDC guidelines to avoid crowds, follow proper hygiene, use facial coverings, isolate if you feel sick or have tested positive and vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate.”
County officials are aware of the huge local demand for testing and are currently working with state and federal officials to supplement local testing capacity. Once logistics are finalized, information about additional testing capacity will be provided.
