EDINBURG – Using his authority under the Declaration of Disaster due to a Local Health Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez tightened prohibitions of gatherings and events to groups of 10 or more people. He also directed restaurants, bars, lounges, and private clubs to close any serving, dining, congregation or entertainment area, allowing these facilities to remain open for delivery, drive-thru or take-out meals. The order does not mandate shelter in place. “I realize these are extraordinary measures, but I continue to rely on the expertise of the Center for Disease Control, so these measures are ...