This Post is Archived: Find the newest information on COVID-19 at the links below.
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 NPRstations 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.
TPR was founded by and is supported by our community. If you value our commitment to the highest standards of responsible journalism and are able to do so, please consider making your gift of support today.
Here's what we know...
Wednesday, April 22
9 p.m. – Cameron County confirms three deaths, 12 new cases
Cameron County Public Health reported three COVID-19 related deaths Wednesday evening, all connected to case clusters found in two area nursing homes.
The victims include a 79-year-old female and an 83-year-old male from the Veranda Nursing Home, where five other residents have died. The facility is linked to positive cases in 27 employees and 56 residents.
Another victim who died on Wednesday was an 85-year-old female from the Windsor Atrium nursing home in Harlingen, which saw two other resident deaths in the last five days. 29 employees and 24 residents initially tested positive for COVID-19 at Windsor Atrium.
Twelve additional cases were also announced on Wednesday, bringing the total number of positive cases to 333. Officials say 148 individuals in the county have recovered.
7:30 p.m. – Hidalgo County confirms fourth COVID-19 related fatality, 6 new cases test positive
Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez confirmed Wednesday that a 59-year-old woman from Mission, Texas has died after testing positive for COVID-19. This is the county's fourth fatality connected to the virus.
On Wednesday, Hidalgo County said that 14 individuals were "released from isolation." Six new cases were also announced:
- Female in her 70s from Mission
- Female in her 20s from Mission
- Female in her 40s from Pharr
- Female in her 30s from Edinburg
- Female in her 60s from Alamo
- Male in his 30s from Pharr
3 p.m. – Hidalgo County Community Service Agency is set to receive federal funding for utility assistance
The Hidalgo County CSA is expected receive at least $6 million in federal funding through the CARES act.
$4 million is allocated towards the county's Electrical Utility Assistance program and an additional $2 million will help residents affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
"The good news is that the agency is in a position to assist families who are in real need right now,” said Jaime Longoria, Hidalgo CSA's director.
Eligible families can receive funding for up to one month, which can be applied toward the following services provided by the CSA:
- Rent assistance
- Vehicle repair
- Utility assistance/water
- Utility allowance for sewer or trash collection
- Medical supplies and medication
- Internet assistance
- Health insurance
- Mortgage assistance
- Gas cards
- Grocery cards or emergency food
Applicants can visit the Hidalgo County CSA website or call 956-383-6240 for more information.
2 p.m. – COVID-19 update from Cameron County
There are now nine deaths related to the novel coronavirus in Cameron County, Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. said on Wednesday morning.
Trevino said that since his last press conference five days ago on April 17, 51 additional cases have been reported in the county. The total as of Wednesday morning stands at 321 positive cases.
8 a.m. – Food Bank RGV distributes free produce in Harlingen
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valleyhas moved to a mobile distribution model in response to COVID-19.
A "pop-up" distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22 at the Harlingen Soccer Complex until supplies last. The following guidelines apply for distribution:
- Bring a photo ID
- A maximum of two families per car
- All passengers must wear a mask
- Please have an empty car trunk
CDC Guidelines in English and Spanish
