RAYMONDVILLE — Officials are blaming Thanksgiving gatherings for an uptick in COVID-19 cases.
In Willacy County, the number of new coronavirus cases began climbing about a week ago, Frank Torres, the county’s emergency management coordinator, said Friday.
On Friday, state health officials found 12 more Willacy County residents testing positive for the coronavirus, pushing the rural area’s total case count to 1,437, the county reported.
“ They’re going up and we expected them to go up after the Thanksgiving holiday,” Torres said.
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.
For more information, contact the state hotline at 956-421-5505.
