Several Upper Valley cities make disaster declarations

Local municipalities are taking proactive measures to help ensure that resources are available to local constituents in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following emergency and disaster declarations made by President Donald J. Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, as well as Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, many local leaders are making their own declarations.

COVID concerns cause closings, cancellations, flight of Canadians

On Monday, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez announced he would be signing a seven-day disaster declaration prohibiting gatherings of 50 or more people. The declaration is expected to be extended through the end of March and will touch virtually every aspect of life in the Valley, and already made its presence felt with the immediate closure of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show in Mercedes — a proud institution that had been running 81 years strong.

South Texas mayors sign disaster declarations for coronavirus; measures aim to stop price gouging

Mayors from 18 border cities in South Texas joined Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez on Tuesday afternoon in signing a public health-related disaster declaration, as well as committed to implement local regulations to limit crowd gatherings and price gouging as coronavirus inches closer to the region.

Flea markets to close to reduce spread of COVID-19

The Alamo and Mercedes flea markets announced Tuesday they will close.

According to a statement on their website, both markets will close on Wednesday and will reopen Tuesday, March 31.

The announcement comes after Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez announced he would be signing a seven day disaster declaration.

Virus status ‘changing daily

State health officials mostly tilled old ground in a press conference here Wednesday, even as the confirmed number of Texas coronavirus cases rose to 83 with three deaths reported.

“In Public Health Region 11, the Valley, they are the toughest and most resilient in the nation,” Prot said. “If any place can handle the coronavirus, it is Public Health Region 11.”

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