Out-of-town travel and doctor’s advice encouraged safety precaution, working from home
Texas Border Business
McAllen Mayor Jim Darling announced today that he is self-quarantining and “working from home” after returning from out-of-town travel, and following consultation with his doctor.
Darling stated that he does not believe that he has COVID-19 but noted that he spoke to his doctor after being in contact with several large groups during his recent travels and was encouraged to self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution.
“We have encouraged our residents to communicate with their doctors and to heed their advice. Well, guess what? Those recommendations apply to the mayor as well,” said Darling. Darling traveled on a family vacation recently, a trip which started before the current situation escalated, and before current CDC guidelines were in place. Mayor Darling indicated that he is asymptomatic and that he “feels great,” but is going to heed his doctor’s advice.
There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Rio Grande Valley, however medical professionals are watching several cases closely, and some people in the region have been tested for the coronavirus. Mayor Darling indicated that his doctor had not recommended that he be tested for the virus at this time, but that he had been told that this could change at some point in the future.
In the meantime, Darling stated that he’s working hard from home and keeping in touch with McAllen staff on a regular basis. “There’s so much going on in the community right now, and my pace hasn’t slowed down – it’s increased. I’m just doing it from home for now.”
McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez, P.E., noted that he is in regular contact with Mayor Darling and that the self-quarantine announcement wouldn’t change that.
“Mayor Darling is communicating regularly with us and is participating in frequent conference calls with us and the region,” said Rodriguez. “Mayor Darling is setting an example for the community in that he’s listening to the advice of his physicians. We wish him well and know that a self-quarantine isn’t going to slow him down.”
As for advice from Mayor Darling….
“Listen to your doctor. We are asking the community to stay in close contact with your doctor if you feel sick, or if you have some other risk factor – I did it, you can do it, too. Stay calm, wash your hands, and stay healthy.” Mayor Darling stated that he expects to be back out and on his favorite bike trails on March 28, 2020, the end of his 14-day quarantine period.
