TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

Editor's Note

During this period when Hidalgo County is in a state of disaster, this daily update will be provided to give Hidalgo County employees a quick overview of developments that may help with the continuation of government operations. Please note that the numbers provided in this briefing reflect end of previous business day. If your department has any update needs, please email hidalgopao@co.hidalgo.tx.us.

Texas Update

Governor Abbott Announces Approval Of 1135 Medicaid Waiver

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) has approved the Section 1135 Medicaid Waiver submitted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on March 26, 2020. This approval grants Texas flexibility in administering Medicaid while the state continues to respond to COVID-19.

"I thank CMS for quickly granting this waiver so that the Lone Star State can continue to meet the routine needs of Texans on Medicaid," said Governor Abbott. "These flexibilities ensure that care capacity is expanded for Texans who utilize Medicaid services, even as the state continues to respond to COVID-19."

RGV Update

UTRGV launches first day of drive-thru testing

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine Health care workers screen car passengers in line for COVID-19 drive-thru testing at UTRGV Edinburg campus on Monday, March,30, 2020 in Edinburg, Texas.

Hidalgo County Update

Message from County Judge Richard F. Cortez

We, as a county, have a duty and a responsibility to keep you safe...I understand this order has had a strain on our citizens and our businesses.... According to all of the country's medical experts, the best way to stop the spread is to stay at home.
So I ask you, I beg you, please stay home.

We are all counting on YOU to stay home and save our lives! We owe it to our healthcare professionals, our frontline workers, to do our best to minimize exposure.