First COVID-19-related death in Hidalgo County

Hidalgo County reported its first COVID-19-related death as of Tuesday, a 76-year-old man from Alamo whose identity was not revealed. 

The man had underlying medical conditions and had been hospitalized for several weeks with a number of health issues. He was recently tested for the coronavirus strain. 

“This is a dangerous disease,” Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez said in a news release Tuesday. “We must act by recommendations of medical experts and stay away from people. The safest place these days is our homes.” 

During a Facebook Live on Tuesday, Public Affairs Director Carlos Sanchez gave residents an update on the latest coronavirus figures. Hidalgo County has administered 1,184 tests, with 128 returning positive, 955 negative and 101 pending results. This is a 15-case increase from Monday. 

Seventeen individuals have been hospitalized, three of whom have been released due to their improving conditions, health officials said in the news release. 

“The death of this man from Alamo is indeed a reminder of the dangers of this disease, but I feel compelled to say that I am saddened by the news of the death of a member of our community,” Cortez was quoted as saying by Sanchez during the livestream.  “I want to express my sincere condolences to this man’s family.” 

Cortez said he urges the residents of Hidalgo County to stay home and to keep that in mind during this holy week, particularly for anyone planning a family gathering on Easter. 

“Judge Cortez has consistently emphasized that he is aware of the hardships these orders pose, but he is convinced based on discussion with numerous health experts that this will help save lives, and it will help slow the rate of infection locally so that the healthcare system is not overwhelmed much of the way we’re seeing in New York City and other parts of the country,” Sanchez said. 

Census 2020 reminder

He also took time to remind residents about the 2020 Census and how it is related to COVID-19. 

Sanchez said that as of today, the United States has had a response rate of 45.7% on the census, with Hidalgo County having a 28.8% response rate.

“Congress has already passed a bill worth $2 trillion to help us out, but that money is allocated in great measure by population, and population is determined by the census,” he said. 

Sanchez encouraged Hidalgo County residents to take time to fill out the census so the county can be counted when federal and state relief money is distributed.

“This year, for the first time, you may fill out the census online,” Sanchez said. 

To complete the census, visit my2020census.gov.