Cameron County COVID-19 cases total 46, nine recover

During a news conference earlier today, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. provided an update of additional COVID-19 cases and announced nine people have recovered and cleared quarantine time.

“Let me take this moment to recognize the fact that nine people who tested positive for the COVID-19 have completed their time and have recovered,” Treviño said. “I want to recognize that, so that there is some understanding in the public that even though you might come down and be tested positive for COVID-19, that does not mean that you have been issued a death sentence.”

Earlier today, Cameron County Public Health reported nine new cases of the virus. On Wednesday, the county confirmed 11 new cases.

The total number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Cameron County is 46.

A total of 262 individuals have been tested, 46 results have been confirmed positive and 108 negative, Treviño said.

Of the nine new cases reported today, seven are linked to the Harlingen Veranda Nursing Home, including five employees, one 75-year-old patient and one family member of a worker. Treviño said one patient is currently being hospitalized while the rest are in self-quarantine.

Seven of the cases confirmed Wednesday are from Brownsville, with people between the ages of 9 to 46. Four of the seven cases were linked to two previously reported cases. Two are travel related and one is community transmission. 

The remaining four cases include two males, a 36 year old and a 43 year old, both from Harlingen. One reported traveling while the other is a community-transmitted case.  

A 66-year-old female from San Benito and 29-year-old male from Rio Hondo were also identified as community-transmitted cases.

In Cameron County, COVID-19 cases are as follows:

–18 in Brownsville;

–13 in Harlingen; 

–four in San Benito; 

–three in Rancho Viejo; 

–three in Los Fresnos;

–two in Rio Hondo;

–two in Santa Rosa; and, 

–one in Laguna Vista.

Treviño also announced the county has begun issuing citations for people who do not follow social-distancing guidelines.

“[The Cameron County Sheriff’s Department has] stopped 235 individuals,” he said. “Out of those 235, I believe 27 were given citations. That shows that our law enforcement officers are utilizing good common sense at their discretion.”

Treviño said he encourages the community to practice self-isolation and recognize what is considered an essential activity. 

“Just because you have the right to do something, doesn’t mean that it’s the right thing to do,” he said.