17 Willacy residents COVID-19 positive

RAYMONDVILLE — State health officials have found 17 more Willacy County residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, driving the rural county’s total case count to 751.

On Friday, the county’s emergency management officials reported a boy under 5, two girls and a boy under 10, a girl under 13, a woman in her 20s, a man and woman in their 30s, two men and a woman in their 50s, three women and a man in their 60s and two men in their 70s 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.