Five people test positive for omicron in Hidalgo County

EDINBURG — Five people in Hidalgo County have tested positive for the omicron variant of COVID-19, the first confirmed cases in the county, Health and Human Services Chief Administrative Officer Eddie Olivarez reported Tuesday.

Each of the cases was initiated by local pharmacies and verified by a state laboratory, Olivarez reported. While his agency is beginning the process of investigating the cases, he could not immediately provide many details of those who tested positive. What is known is that four of the five cases involved adults and one case is a pediatric case.

Three of the four adults had been fully vaccinated; the other adult had been partially vaccinated. The pediatric case was not vaccinated.

“Given the contagious nature of this variant, we have long suspected that Omicron was present in Hidalgo County,” Olivarez said.

Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez said he is aware of the developments and remains in constant contact with l health experts to determine whether any new course of action is needed.

“I have no current plans to interrupt commerce with any type of closures,” Cortez said.

Health experts strongly encourage people to get vaccinated.

Story Courtesy Hidalgo County