Texas Public Radio is updating information on COVID-19 in the Rio Grande Valley here. You can find the latest news from TPR in San Antonio here. Other NPR stations that are part of The Texas Newsroom are also live-blogging, including Houston Public Media, KERA in Dallas and KUT in Austin.
The statewide coronavirus hotline is 2-1-1. CDC guidelines on what you need to know and what to do if you are sick with COVID-19 can be found here in English and Spanish, and embedded at the end of this live blog.
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Here's what we know...
Thursday, June 4
7:30 p.m. – 45 new cases of COVID-19, Hidalgo County awarded CARES Act funding for homeless residents
Officials are reporting a record number of new COVID-19 in Hidalgo County. Forty-five new cases were confirmed on Thursday. There are now 679 positive tests reported, 260 of which remain active in Hidalgo County.
“We have been saying for days that we knew an increase in positive cases was coming,” Judge Richard F. Cortez said in a statement. “When you test more people, you will find more people who are infected. Today’s numbers are a reflection of the growing availability of testing locally, but also a grim reminder that this virus is still out there and can still infect us. As Governor Greg Abbott continues to loosen restrictions on our activities, we strongly urge caution around crowds.”
Hidalgo County has administered over 22,500 tests with the help of state agencies and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. About 1,400 tests remain pending.
According to county data, 407 people who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus are recovered, including 21 individuals who were recently "released from isolation."
Earlier on Thursday, Hidalgo County announced that $4,242,374 in grant funding will be allocated towards prevention, preparation and response to COVID-19 "among individuals and families who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless."
7 p.m. – Starr County confirms new case of COVID-19
Starr County confirmed its 43rd case of the novel coronavirus on Thursday evening.
According to county health authority Dr. Jose Vasquez, the woman in her 50s was diagnosed through a mobile testing site managed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Military Department.
There are currently 16 active cases of COVID-19 in Starr County.
Data visualizations are maintained and published by journalist Ronnie Garza on the website https://www.rgvcovid19info.com. Hover over the graph to view updated values.
| Find previous COVID-19 blogs here |
Community Helpline Numbers
Statewide COVID-19 Resources
- 2-1-1 (option 6)
Cameron County
- 956-247-3650 (24/7)
Hidalgo County
- 956-292-7765 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Willacy and Starr Counties
- 956-421-5505
CDC Guidelines in English and Spanish
