West RGV News

Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez has issued a statement voicing support for Gov. Greg Abbott's Open Texas Plan. 

According to Valley Central, Abbott's Open Texas Plan will allow the stay-at-home order to expire and allow retail stores to open under social distancing standards.

"It is reassuring to know that Gov. Abbott said that data and advice from health professionals are the basis for him making these decisions,'' Cortez said in a news release. "The Governor also recognized that there is uncertainty with this action that he’s about to take and has allowed for a mechanism to revert back to some controls should the data begin to show an increase in the rate of infection. I too rely on data and advice from medical professionals to dictate my actions. So with that in mind, I am also considering transitioning some of our local restrictions to voluntary preventive measures."

As of May 7, Texas reported 33,369 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 906 deaths. Hidalgo County has 353  confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Cortez thanked the governor for being proactive in the current situation and helping people get back to work. Abbott decided to move forward with his plan based on data from health professionals, according to the news release. 

Cortez also said that social distancing works and should keep being practiced as Texas moves forward with opening its economy. 

"We now know what works," Cotez said. "Social distancing, avoiding mass gatherings, personal hygiene and facial coverings have proven to be effective mitigation strategies. As we move forward it is important that we all keep practicing these sound preventive measures so we may more quickly return to a fully functional economy."