As schools across the country temporarily close, Hidalgo County is preparing for the influx of students returning from schools out of the area.
According to a release, County Judge Richard Cortez met with senior health and emergency preparedness officials on Sunday to assess growing concerns regarding the national and state outbreak of COVID-19.
There has not been a single positive case in Hidalgo County, said the release, however, Judge Cortez ordered his staff to raise their level of vigilance and prepare for any potential outbreak.
Hidalgo County officials expect the return of students from Hidalgo County who have been attending colleges and universities in other locations in which outbreaks have occurred and have seen their campuses shut down, said the release.
Judge Cortez reminded his staff to encourage the public to avoid mass gatherings for the time being along with practicing good hygiene.
On Friday, state officials said they will initiate a more aggressive testing schedule statewide, but those tests are expected to begin in other regions of the state where an outbreak has already occurred, said the release.
Judge Cortez also directed his staff to confer with the county’s judiciary, local municipalities, and other public institutions to coordinate a response.
On Friday it was announced that jury pools would not meet beginning Monday. In addition, an emergency meeting of the Board of Judges will be convened on Monday to discuss how to deal with any potential outbreak as it relates to the judiciary.
“I know the public is worried,” said Judge Cortez in the release. “But I want to assure the residents of Hidalgo County that we are preparing for any contingency.”
