The Rio Grande Valley’s coronavirus death toll pushed further into the triple digits Wednesday, with new deaths reported in Hidalgo, Cameron and Starr counties to tally 112 in the region.
Hidalgo County officials confirmed three additional fatalities from coronavirus-related complications Wednesday along with 270 new cases of COVID-19.
The new deaths — men from McAllen, San Juan and Mission — bring the death toll in Hidalgo County to 49. The new cases raise that total to 4,252.
“This virus does not discriminate. Anyone at any age can be susceptible to this disease,” county Judge Richard F. Cortez wrote in a news release. “We have to continue to do what our medical experts tell us: wear facial coverings, avoid mass gatherings, and stay home. Following these guidelines will help us slow the spread.”
According to the county, 301 people remain hospitalized with complications from the virus, 27 of whom are being treated in intensive care units. According to Hidalgo County’s coronavirus dashboard, 110 hospital beds remain.
Starr County officials confirmed its first COVID-19 related death in a hospital there on Wednesday afternoon.
The death was reported along with the news that the Starr County Memorial Hospital’s COVID-19 unit had reached full capacity.
Starr County confirmed 105 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday, according to Dr. Jose Vazquez, the county’s health authority, who himself has tested positive for COVID-19.
Vazquez also reported seven COVID-19 deaths from a nursing home but those are not yet included in the official count. He said the county is waiting for medical records to be reviewed before they are confirmed.
Starr County saw another 21 cases reported Wednesday, bringing the total there to 742, of which 587 remain active.
The new fatality there brings the death toll for county residents to four.
Cameron County also confirmed one additional COVID-19 related death Wednesday, bringing its death toll to 56.
The woman, an 80-year-old Brownsville resident, died at Valley Regional Medical Center and was a previously reported case.
Cameron County also reported an additional 111 cases Wednesday, bringing the total for the county to 2,510. Of those, 1,637 are listed as recoveries.
Willacy County reported 14 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, raising the total there to 168.
“DSHS has set up a hotline if you have any questions about COVID-19 and are looking for information on how to get tested at (956) 421-5505,” Willacy County Judge Aurelio “Keter” Guerra wrote in a news release. “Please continue to take all local, county, CDC and Texas DSHS recommended precautions to keep your family safe. Stay safe everyone and let’s get through this together.”
