Cameron County issues mandatory shelter order

In a news conference earlier today, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. issued a mandatory countywide shelter order.

Cameron County now has six confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, two of which are in Brownsville. A total of 39 individuals have been tested with 14 results coming back negative and 19 still pending. 

Treviño said that as more tests become available and done, a spike on positive results can be expected. 

All six positive cases have been travel-related. 

The confirmed cases, according to Cameron County Public Health, are:

–A 57-year-old female from Harlingen;

–A 20-year-old-male from Brownsville;

–A 21-year-old male from Rancho Viejo;

–A 20-year-old female from Brownsville;

–An 81-year-old male from Harlingen and;

–A 21-year-old male from Rancho Viejo.

The county is implementing an emergency management order with mandatory, countywide shelter that will begin at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and last 14 days, subject to extension and as a supplement to all previous orders. 

“I am ordering a mandatory countywide shelter in place, in my capacity as county judge, with the advice and consent of the Cameron County Commissioners court,” Treviño said during the news conference. 

He said failure to comply with the provisions of the order constitute an imminent threat to public health. Individuals who fail to comply with the order may be assessed to be fined, not to exceed $1,000, or confined in jail, not to exceed 180 days. 

Essential activities will be allowed, such as grocery shopping, seeking medical attention and pharmacy services, or to provide essential products or services at an essential business. 

Treviño said that if one does engage in outdoor activity, social distancing requirements must be followed.

Individuals at high-risk of severe illness of COVID-19 or sick are urged to stay in their residence, with the exception of seeking medical care. 

Public transit may be used for performing essential personal activities, to travel to and from work while following social distancing requirements. 

Asked if the City of Brownsville is prepared in regards to law enforcement to enforce the order, Mayor Trey Mendez replied that his and the police chief’s concern was resources.

“We are the largest city in the county,” Mendez said. “The chief did say he would need just a little bit of time to pivot, try to come up with a plan so that he could spread his resources out to make sure this is being enforced. Obviously, safety is a priority. We want to make sure that people who are on the streets are on the streets for a legitimate purpose.”

He said resources are going to be used to the fullest extent possible to make sure the order is enforced. 

If people are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or have questions regarding health, Treviño said to call 956-247-3650.