5 deaths, 306 positive COVID-19 cases reported in RGV

Hidalgo County officials reported 257 more people tested positive for COVID-19 as of Thursday, in addition to five deaths related to the virus, according to a county news release.  

The youngest among Thursday’s deaths was a man in his 40s, with the others’ ages ranged from people in their 60s to their 70s. 

The COVID-19 death toll for Hidalgo County now stands at 2,703, as of Thursday. 

Of the 257 cases, the county’s Health and Human Services Department said 146 are confirmed, 110 probable and one suspected. 

Including Thursday’s cases, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases in Hidalgo County is 79,637. Of that sum, 52,073 are confirmed, 26,324 probable and 1,240 suspected. 

A total of 2,345 cases remain active, according to the county’s release. 

County officials also reported 173 individuals are hospitalized, with 70 patients in intensive care units. 

Additionally, the county reported 284 individuals were released from isolation Thursday, raising the total sum of those released from isolation to 74,589. 

As of Thursday, a total of 419,791 COVID-19 tests have been administered in Hidalgo County, with 339,436 results returning negative. 

In addition to their COVID-19 statistics, Hidalgo County also reported that facial coverings are required for all county employees and all visitors to county buildings. 

According to the release, the county commissioners court voted to adopt the policy on May 5, 2020.

“We require that all employees and county visitors must wear a mouth and nose covering while conducting business at county facilities,” Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez said. “Our current policy on required facial coverings still remains in  effect.”

County officials said visitors who wish to speak to someone about the requirement can call (956) 318-2660.

In Cameron County, officials reported 52 more people tested positive for COVID-19 as of Thursday, according to a news release, raising the total number of positive cases there to 37,879. 

There were no deaths related to the virus reported on Thursday, therefore the death toll remained at 1,532. 

Additionally, county officials reported 260 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, increasing the total number of recovered individuals to 33,652.