8 Willacy residents test positive

RAYMONDVILLE — State health officials have found two girls among eight Willacy County residents who have tested positive for the coronavirus, driving this rural county’s total case count to 594.

On Monday, the county’s emergency management officials reported the two girls under 10 years old, two teenage girls, a man in his 20s, a man and woman in their 40s and a man in his 50s have contracted COVID-19.

Now, health officials are investigating to determine whether the patients, who have been quarantined, have infected others.

“Our officials and staff continue to work very closely with our neighboring counties and state health services department,” County Judge Aurelio Guerra stated in a press release.

“The Texas Department of State Health Services will conduct case investigations on this and all positive COVID-19 cases that arise and ensure that proper isolation and 14-day quarantine is strictly adhered to,” Guerra stated.

“In addition, (health officials) will be sure family members stay isolated and quarantined as well and will be sure the family has supplies needed to be able to stay at home and follow protocol,” he stated.

Guerra urged residents to stay home, practice social distancing and good hygiene such as frequent hand washing and wear facial coverings.

Since late May, COVID-19 cases in this rural county with about 22,000 residents have surged from 14.

For more information, contact the state hotline at 956-421-5505.