EDINBURG – As area hospitals continue to operate near capacity, the deaths of 16 people in Hidalgo County was announced Monday after they tested positive for COVID-19, County Judge Richard F. Cortez said. That brings the total number of COVID-19 related fatalities to 75. Another 102 people learned that they had tested positive for the virus bringing the total number of known cases to 5,447. “These are startling numbers, coming at a time when our medical system is working roundthe-clock to protect our neighbors,” Judge Cortez said. “The least we can do is help these medical professionals out by exercising caution ...