Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez cautioned residents of the county that, “This is not the time to relax our community controls” in a ten-minute video message he delivered on Tuesday in which he updated residents about the ongoing efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Judge Cortez said the next week to ten days will be critical in assessing early efforts at slowing the spread of this strain of coronavirus. This is particularly true because he received reports of heavy travel leaving Hidalgo County to other parts of the state and to Mexico over the Easter weekend. The return of those travelers may have an impact on the rate of infection. Early indications, however, are encouraging, he said, adding that of all Texas counties with a population of more than 300,000, Hidalgo County has the lowest rate of infection per 100,000 people.
Judge Cortez also said:
· He had requested the help of the Texas Army National Guard, which this week deployed a unit to help with logistical support of the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank in their efforts to feed the food insecure of Hidalgo County — particularly children and the elderly.
· He was forming a Recovery Task Force composed of businessmen and community leaders to begin the process of addressing the economic impact of the pandemic in Hidalgo County. He did not provide the names of the task force as it is still being formed.
· He said the county continues to work closely with the state and federal government to secure the necessary resources to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic and hasten the region’s economic recovery.
Please click the following link to view Judge Cortez’ 10-minute video message:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1pb2MWKVVfFTC1dxOemGP6qOgd51U7On0
