38 inmates test positive for COVID-19 at Hidalgo County Detention Center

FRIDAY, 7-24-2020

EDINBURG -- On Monday, July 20, 2020, the Hidalgo County Detention Center tested 41 inmates for COVID-19 after the inmates demonstrated or reported symptoms consistent with the virus.

    On Tuesday, July 21, 2020, the Sheriff’s Office received the results of the exams and confirmed 32 of the inmates tested positive for COVID-19, in addition to six cases previously confirmed.

    The inmates have since been transferred to Non-Pressure Cell (NPC) where they are housed alone or housed in larger cells with other COVID-19 positive inmates. The inmates are constantly monitored by jail medical staff and provided medical care.

    We would like to assure the public the Hidalgo County Detention Center is taking every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of every inmate housed in our facility and our staff.

    These efforts include the wearing of facial masks for inmates and employees, latex gloves, the daily sanitation of the entire facility utilizing disinfecting misting equipment, and following all CDC, Hidalgo County Health Department guidelines and Texas Commission on Jail Standards.

Press release from Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.