As COVID-19 cases rise to triple digits, the City of Edinburg and Hidalgo County are implementing stricter orders to mitigate the spread of the virus by requiring residents to wear face coverings.
As of the publication of this article, 128 people have tested positive for the virus in Hidalgo County, including 11 in Edinburg. The county also confirmed its first COVID-19-related death Tuesday.
The Edinburg City Council conducted its first online meeting Tuesday and will continue that format until further notice.
During the Mayor’s Report, Richard Molina spoke about an order that took effect Monday, requiring residents to wear some form of covering over their nose and mouth when in public.
“All persons 3 years or older must wear some form of covering over their nose and mouth when entering [the] inside of a building or … in a business parking lot when pumping gas,” Molina said. “I know that all the entire council has been hammered with phone calls on the fact that there’s a shortage of masks. Believe me, we want to leave those masks to the professionals, our first responders and our physicians.”
Molina said the face-covering masks can be a scarf, bandana or handkerchief.
“Remember that this does not [pertain]to an outdoor activity,” he said. “So, if you go for a walk or a jog in your neighborhood or at one of the local parks, you do not have to wear the facial covering.”
Hidalgo County also signed a similar order Tuesday.
As previously reported by The Rider, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez issued new, stricter orders that took effect at midnight and will remain until April 30.
Hidalgo County Public Affairs Director Carlos Sanchez said via Facebook Live on Tuesday the additional measures include a mandate for all residents to use facial coverings while outdoors and in buildings open to the public.
For more COVID-19-related news, visit utrgvrider.com.
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