On Monday, the El Paso City Council unanimously approved extending an emergency ordinance that extended the disaster declaration. The Council also unanimously approved to extend a second emergency ordinance establishing emergency measures. Both ordinances were first issued on March 13, 2020 and were set to expire May 13, 2020. They will both remain in effect until June 10, 2020.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is still circulating in our community. The public is asked to continue observing health practices that protect everyone, especially those who are the most vulnerable.
The City of El Paso Department of Public Health (DPH) is reporting 8 (eight) new COVID-19 cases bringing the county’s total number to 1,348, the number of deaths remains at 33.
To-date 685 people have recovered from COVID-19; consequently, there are 630 active cases within the county. Positive cases in El Paso County include 702 females and 646 males; see accompanying graphics and map. There are 80 patients hospitalized, and 34 of those are currently in ICU.
City/County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza reminds the public that whether you have symptoms or not, you may have the virus and not know it. We know now that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to others by infected persons who have few or no symptoms. Even if an infected person is asymptomatic, the people they spread it to may become seriously ill or even die, especially if that person is 65 or older with pre-existing health conditions that place them at higher risk.
Residents with questions about the local directive can call 3-1-1. To report non-compliance, residents are asked to call the El Paso Police Department non-emergency at (915) 832-4400.
Health questions about COVID-19 can be made by calling the 21-COVID hotline, which is operational from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For referrals to services, contact 2-1-1 and select option six (6). For more information, visitwww.epstrong.org.