Opening of schools sees an uptick in COVID cases

Edinburg Texas, Aug. 28, 2023 – Officials with the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department are seeing an uptick in COVID cases that correlates with the opening of school throughout the region.

A total of 63 people in Hidalgo County have been hospitalized for treatment related to COVID, the health department reports. Of those, 43 are adults, eight of whom are in intensive care units, and there are 20 pediatric cases, two of whom are in intensive care. Just one week ago, there were a total of 47 people hospitalized – 33 adults and 14 pediatric cases.

“As our children return to school, we must all be mindful that COVID remains active in our community and remains dangerous,” said Hidalgo County Health and Human Services’ Chief Administrative Officer Eddie Olivarez. “We urge everyone to take the necessary precautions.”

Health experts remind the public that everyone is:

• Highly encouraged to get their COVID booster and are encouraged to receive the COVID Monovalent Vaccine, which should become available in late September or early October.
• If symptomatic, especially with a fever, please go to the physician to get medically assessed.
• Remember to wash hands frequently and sanitize work surfaces frequently.
• Those with weakened immune systems or the elderly are advised to limit travel, avoid densely populated areas such as airports, concert venues, or enclosed or confined areas.
• The immune compromised and elderly are also encouraged to wear a mask if in densely populated areas.
• Get your flu vaccine and the RSV vaccine once it is available in October.