16 Willacy residents COVID-19 positive

RAYMONDVILLE — State health officials have found 16 more Willacy County residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, driving the rural area’s total case count to 1,514, county officials reported. Like officials around the country, Frank Torres, the county’s emergency management coordinator, has been monitoring the uptick for about two weeks, citing Thanksgiving gatherings for the spike in new cases.

On Monday, the county’s emergency management officials reported 16 more residents 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.