EDINBURG — As the rate of COVID-19 deaths and infections eases locally, Hidalgo County will scale back its emergency operational response level. Currently, the county is at Level 1, which indicates Maximum Readiness; the county will move to Level 2, which is Escalated Operations effective immediately.“This does not mean the threat of this terrible disease has gone away,” said Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. “It does mean that, overall, the community has been extremely responsible in taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves and we can slightly ease up on our diligence.”Hidalgo County has five operational levels with Level ...