With an increase of COVID-19 cases being reported in Brownsville and Cameron County, city health officials have ordered that the city’s COVID-19 Threat Matrix be raised to a Level 2 which is moderate. The threat level was raised Tuesday.
City officials said during the past two weeks, virus transmission rates have increased, especially for unvaccinated individuals.
The number of positive COVID-19 cases has surpassed 1,000 cases, with two confirmed deaths this week. The public must stay vigilant and aware that this can take a toll on every member of the community, including the most vulnerable and healthcare staff, the city officials said in a media release.
The Threat Matrix Level had been at 1 which meant there was minimal spread of the virus.
“We want to remind citizens that it is essential to continue to be vigilant and practice safe health practices. Please remember to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, practice social distancing, and wear a mask,” said Art Rodriguez, the city’s public health director.
On Friday, the Cameron County Health Department reported 302 new cases of the coronavirus. Of that number, 83 were from Brownsville. The county also reported one death which was that of a Harlingen woman who had been fully vaccinated.
In an earlier interview, Dr. James Castillo, health authority for Cameron County, said COVID-19 cases are probably going up to because people have become more relaxed, and people have accepted the risk of catching coronavirus. He said those individuals who decided not to get vaccinated and are high risk, will likely contract COVID-19. “They are still running the same risk of getting extremely sick.”
“This is always going to come in waves. It is happening in other cities and it kind of followed that same pattern it was just a matter of time before it just happens,” he said.
For those people who have already received their vaccinations, Castillo urges them to get the booster shots to help prevent the chance of them getting very sick.
Currently, the vaccination rate for Cameron County is at 92.80% for individuals 65 years and older and 81.83% for people five years and older. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine has been found to be the safest and most effective way to protect the immune system from COVID-19.
