With People And Equipment In Short Supply, COVID-19 Situation In Hidalgo County Is Critical

The number of people hospitalized in Texas with COVID-19 symptoms has more than doubled in two weeks, to more than 8,000 people. And hospital officials in many parts of the state warn that they are running out of resources. In the Rio Grande Valley, health officials are sounding the alarm as 10 out of 12 hospitals are reported to be at capacity, and patients in places like Starr County are being sent to hospitals hundreds of miles away.

Among the latest to test positive for COVID-19 is Dr. Ivan Melendez, lead health official for Hidalgo County. He’s in self-quarantine right now, using telemedicine to see patients. Melendez told Texas Standard host David Brown on Tuesday that while he has symptoms of COVID-19, his health is improving. He believes he contracted the virus while doing clinical work with patients at five hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley.

Melendez said several nurses in the McAllen area who contracted COVID-19 have died, and other medical professionals have required critical care.

“I hate to report that we’re in the most dire situation I personally have seen in my professional, 36-year career,” Melendez said.

Read more: https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/with-people-and-equipment-in-short-supply-covid-19-situation-in-hidalgo-county-is-critical/