Starr County reported 27 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, raising its total to 1,032 and their active cases to 738.
In addition to the confirmed positive cases, the county is reporting five COVID-19 related deaths, according to information provided by Dr. Jose Vazquez, the county health authority.
However, there are 26 more deaths that are pending confirmation.
Vazquez previously explained that COVID-19 deaths in Starr County were significantly under-reported largely due to the amount of time it takes to certify as having been related to the disease.
That usually happens after the Department of State Health Services receives a death certificate verifying the death as a COVID-19 related one.
Also on Friday, Willacy County reported five new positive cases of the coronavirus disease for a total of 256 cases there.
The newly confirmed patients include four women — one under the age of 10, two in their 30s and one in their 60s — and one man is his 30s, according to a news release issued by Willacy County Judge Aurelio “Keter” Guerra.
“Our officials and staff continue to work very closely with our neighboring counties and state health services department,” Guerra stated in the release. “The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) 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.”
Individuals seeking information about where to get tested or who have any questions are urged to call the DSHS hotline at (956) 421-5505.
“Please continue to take all local, county, CDC and Texas DSHS recommended precautions to keep your family safe,” Guerra stated. “Stay safe everyone and let’s get through this together.”
