Hidalgo County Scales Back Emergency Operational Level As Effects Of Pandemic Eases

EDINBURG – As the rate of COVID-19 deaths and infections eases locally, Hidalgo County will scale back its emergency operational response level. Currently, the county is at Level 1, which indicates Maximum Readiness; the county will move to Level 2, which is Escalated Operations effective immediately.

“This does not mean the threat of this terrible disease has gone away,” said Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. “It does mean that, overall, the community has been extremely responsible in taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves and we can slightly ease up on our diligence.”

Hidalgo County has five operational levels with Level 5 being normal operations and Level 1 being the highest state of emergency. It moved to a Level 1 upon the first diagnosis of COVID in March of 2020 and has been at the highest level for over 800 days.

“I’m afraid COVID will never go away, but it is becoming as manageable as influenza,” said Eduardo Olivarez, head of Hidalgo County Health and Human Services. “In short, the public must always take precautions around people and be diligent about their hygiene, especially washing their hands.”

The new Level 2 Escalated Operations will go into effect immediately. The transition will impact the frequency of days the COVID-19 update is provided. COVID-19 update reports will be provided Tuesdays and Fridays instead of five times per week.