Pharr Launches Business Impact Survey to Measure Impact of COVID-19 on Local Economy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2020
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr in collaboration with the Pharr EDC and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce announced that they have launched a Business Impact Survey to measure the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses and the community.
“Our local businesses are the lifeline of our economy, and we rely on our local business community to provide us with goods, services, entertainment, and products that fulfill our needs, feed our families, and enhance our livelihood,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Many of our local businesses are suffering right now due to COVID-19 and although many have adapted to implement the current orders and social distancing initiatives, there are still many who have had to completely shut down their operations or switch to online or other delivery methods,” Hernandez continued. “Through this survey, we hope to gauge the needs of our community so that we can work together to assess the impact, prepare for recovery, and plan for the future,” he added.
The online survey has been sent to local businesses to ensure that the city has an accurate reflection of how businesses are coping, how hard they have been impacted if they have the means to recover and continue operations and to measure others issues that have come up as a result of adjusting business operations.
“Pharr has been proactive since the start of COVID-19, and we have been working closely with our local, state, and federal legislators on all levels, including keeping our local businesses informed of any economic assistance that may be available,” stated Victor Perez, Pharr EDC Executive Director. “This is an especially tough situation for many businesses as they have had to change their normal operations, while also tending to the personal and financial impact caused to their employees and business,” he added. “As we continue to gather information from our local business leaders, we will be analyzing information and data collected to help guide future policy decisions and relief efforts,” said Perez. City officials are doing all they can to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the community and urge Pharr residents and businesses to heed the guidance of federal, state, and local authorities to continue practice social distancing as we all work to stop the spread of the coronavirus.”Pharr is a resilient community and we want our residents and businesses to know that we are all in this together, and we will get through this together,” added Mayor Hernandez. “We will continue to fight this invisible enemy, while also continuing to fight for more resources, funding, and assistance to ensure that our community remains safe and that our local businesses and economy will continue to thrive,” he said.
The City of Pharr will use data collected from the survey to analyze the impacts on the local economy and to continue advocating for more assistance to help local businesses get back to business.
Pharr Approves New Emergency Order, Implements Work Safe Plan; Pharr Set to Receive Federal Funding to Fight COVID-19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020
Pharr, Texas – As the City of Pharr and the entire South Texas region continues to be increasingly impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), city officials will continue to provide updates to keep our residents and the public informed as information develops.
Pharr Approves New Emergency Order, Implements Work Safe Plan
On Thursday, April 2, 2020, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. issued an updated Order to align with the new guidelines and emergency orders issued by President Donald J. Trump, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez, which defined the continuity of essential services and activities during the COVID-19 disaster and aimed to limit the spread of the disease.
Pharr’s Order No. 2020-01 defines further measures to be implemented to reduce the substantial risk of harm to the public and requires that all essential businesses and organizations defined as critical to the nation’s infrastructure submit a Work Safe Plan, which outlines plans for implementing and enforcing distancing, sanitation, and hygiene practices, to the City of Pharr.
This Order is effective as of 11:59 pm on Friday, April 3, 2020, and shall remain in effect until the state of disaster is terminated or the Order is otherwise terminated by the City Commission.
“Since we now have cases involving Pharr residents, it is imperative that we all continue doing what we can to prevent the spread of the disease, which is extremely contagious,” said Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “It is our individual responsibility to care for our community and keep it as safe and healthy as possible,” he continued.
The Order further mandates that all individuals who are ill, especially those with symptoms consistent with influenza or COVID-19, shall isolate themselves at home until they recover. An entire household is ordered to self-quarantine at home for a period of no less than two weeks if anyone in a household tests positive for COVID-19 or anyone in the household has had contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The Order further states that people who are known to have or are under investigation or monitoring for COVID-19 must abide by the Control Orders and direction provided to them by authorities, including state and local public health officials.
Pharr Set to Receive Federal Funding to Fight COVID-19
Pharr, Texas – City of Pharr leaders were pleased to learn from U. S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) that $10,383,884 in funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was approved for District 15 for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) for the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Pharr’s award is approximately $665,558 in CDBG funding, which can be used for areas of infrastructure, economic development, and medical supplies and equipment, among other eligible activities.
“As we continue to navigate the current situation and plan for the future, we are extremely proud that our federal partners are listening to the needs of our community and fighting to support our efforts to help our response to COVID-19,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “The City of Pharr applauds the actions taken by Congress and especially the efforts and dedication of Congressman Gonzalez as he continues to work with local leaders to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens, businesses, and communities,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. he added.
The highly anticipated news comes just a few days after Congress passed legislative relief for Americans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I will continue to keep the pressure on to ensure that our district receives the funds it needs during this time of crisis,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “This funding is a vital step for cities and counties to prepare for and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to work around-the-clock for the frontline medical professionals, hospitals, and our community.”
From the onset of this pandemic, the City of Pharr has taken proactive measures to prepare the community. From the implementation of the Emergency Disaster Declaration to working with Homeland Security partners to secure our southern border at the Pharr International Bridge by pre-screening to prevent any high-risk individuals from entering our city or placing them in self-quarantine, city officials have worked closely with federal, state, county, and municipal leaders to mitigate the spread and minimize the impact of COVID-19 in our community.
“We are fortunate to have great partnerships and communication with our leaders at the regional, state, and federal level as we all work together to fight this invisible enemy,” Hernandez continued. “This much-needed funding will help us battle the pandemic and support our community, our healthcare system, and our economy as we continue to face growing numbers every day,” he said. “I am proud of the leadership of Congressman Gonzalez, Senator Cornyn, and Senator Cruz who have worked diligently over the years to ensure that the City of Pharr and our citizens have the resources, funding, and assistance to continue thriving,” he added.
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr learned from Hidalgo County officials that the first case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) affecting a resident of Pharr was confirmed today. The County informed Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. that investigators with the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department are actively involved in interviewing the patient to determine who they may have had contact with. Individuals who have had direct contact with the patient will be contacted by health officials, the County said, and no further information is available at this time.
From the onset of this pandemic, the City of Pharr has taken proactive measures to prepare our community for the inevitable onset. From the implementation of the Emergency Disaster Declaration to working with Homeland Security partners to secure our southern border at the Pharr International Bridge by pre-screening to prevent any high-risk individuals from entering our city or placing them in self-quarantine, city officials have worked closely with federal, state, county, and municipal leaders to mitigate the spread and minimize the impact of COVID-19 in our community.
Mayor Hernandez meets with Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez and local area mayors to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis on March 17, 2020.
Upon learning of the positive cases, Dr. Hernandez stated the following, once again urging all residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves from exposure and slow the spread of the virus:
Today we fight an invisible enemy that has taken our world without notice and it does not discriminate. Frankly, we are all at risk. We have worked aggressively to protect our citizens and our families from this unseen enemy.
Now, we have learned that one of our own has been affected by this enemy and has tested positive for COVID-19. Our thoughts are with him and his family, and we pray for his health and recovery. We continue to urge all residents to stay at home and avoid interacting with others outside of the home as much as possible. This disease is silent, undetectable for days or weeks, and it can be very deadly. Our health care systems can very easily be overwhelmed, as we are seeing across the country and the world.
I implore our county and local leaders to follow the recommended guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, which we are all doing, but we must do more. As a border community, we need to be more stringent with our suggested restrictions and requirements. Many people enter our area through bridges, airports, and buses, from destinations of unknown origin, who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
The CDC has recommended that anyone who has been to areas affected by COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should expect to face limitations on movement and activity. I have urged our county officials and border leaders that we must do everything we can to mitigate the uncontrolled entry of potential COVID-19 carriers, and we must act now – by screening extensively and mandating self-quarantine for those who may pose a potential risk to our community. Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that all people flying to Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the city of New Orleans will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
The fact is that community spread of this disease is rapidly accelerating. Since every part of this country has now been affected by COVID-19, and there is no way to tell who has been exposed to COVID-19 or is carrying the virus, I urge everyone to stay at home, clean and wash hands frequently, and monitor their symptoms and temperature for any possible signs. We must all do everything we can to slow the spread of this disease.
This is a critical moment in our lives. As the days pass, and more testing becomes available, there will likely be more positive cases confirmed. Rest assured that we will continue to fight this enemy and will do all that is necessary to protect you, your families, and our way of life, understanding the health care impact and needs as a physician, and by using all available resources, powers, and information available to me as your mayor.
We are all in this together, and we will get through this together.
Stay home, stay safe, stay healthy, and God bless!
Hidalgo County Issues Shelter-At-Home Order; Pharr School Districts Providing Meals for Students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
Pharr, Texas – Pharr leaders continue to closely monitor the situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Pharr and Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and will continue to provide updates to keep the media and the public informed as information develops. City officials urge media outlets to please share with their respective reading/viewing/listening audiences.
Hidalgo County Issues Shelter-at-Home Order
Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez signed an Amended Emergency Order which includes a Shelter-At-Home mandate ordering residents to stay at home unless they are conducting essential business. The order becomes effective at 11:59 p.m. tonight, Thursday, March 26. According to Hidalgo County, the move comes after a total of eight Hidalgo County residents learned that they have tested positive for the highly contagious COVID-19 virus. Medical experts have advised Judge Cortez that the spread of the virus could increase exponentially without drastic action to keep people at home. The City of Pharr will comply with the order and will enforce accordingly.
Local Pharr School Districts Providing Meals for All Pharr Students
Where there is a need, there is always a way. Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and City of Pharr officials applaud the efforts that several local school districts have been making to ensure that all Pharr area students are being fed healthy, nutritional meals during this time that they are away from school. Pharr leaders also want to remind parents of schoolchildren in Pharr that these districts are making these meals available to all Pharr children in need under the age of 18, regardless if they are enrolled in the district.
“As community leaders, we are grateful for these school districts that have stepped up and provided these meals for our students,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Many families rely on school meals to keep their children healthy, and it is necessary to continue supporting our students while they are not in school,” he continued.
“On behalf of our Pharr community, we applaud and thank the school districts for providing this essential service to our Pharr students,” he added.
Meals are being made possible through the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division, which is supporting the continued operation of meal service as a result of coronavirus impacting operations. Since the meal distribution began on Monday, March 23, 2020, these Pharr area school districts have distributed thousands of meals to local Pharr children.
Vanguard Academy
On Monday, 4,908 meals were handed out through their curbside pickup; on Tuesday, a total of 6,614 were distributed. Wednesday saw the largest number of meals given out – a total of 7,496. Vanguard continues to distribute meals to all students in the Pharr area through age 18. Please refer to the schedule below.
Valley View ISD
Valley View ISD is also providing breakfast and lunch for curbside pickup daily from 10 am to 12 pm for students that are present in the vehicle. On Monday, the district served 550 meals; on Tuesday, the number more than tripled for a total of 1,189 meals. On Wednesday, 1,410 meals were distributed to students.
Distribution times and locations Monday – Friday, 10 am to 12 pm Valley View High School (High School and South students) Valley View Early College Campus (ECC, Lucas, and Elementary) Valley View Junior High (JH, 5th Grade, and North Elem.)
Hidalgo ISD
Hidalgo ISD is providing breakfast and lunch curbside pickup for all Pharr area students ages 1-18. According to Hidalgo ISD Superintendent Xavier Salinas, the demand has been increasing every day and is so high that they are finishing the food every day. On Monday, 1,422 meals were distributed to students. On Tuesday, a total of 1,622 meals were served. On Wednesday, 1,822 meals were distributed and as today, Thursday, 2,022 were handed out.
Hidalgo ISD will continue to have breakfast and lunch meals available for curbside pickup for all Pharr students ages 1-18 from 8 am to 11 am; the student must be present in the vehicle at the time of pick-up.
IDEA Public Schools
IDEA Public Schools is distributing breakfast and lunch meals to students via curbside pick-up at its two locations in Pharr – IDEA Pharr and IDEA Owassa. On Monday, IDEA schools distributed a total of 1,312 breakfast and lunch meals; on Tuesday, a total of 2,676. On Wednesday, the schools served 3,612 meals to students.
IDEA Public Schools employees distribute meals to students at curbside pick-up. Image courtesy IDEA Public Schools.
Distribution times and locations: Monday – Friday, 7 am – 10 am IDEA Pharr (600 E. Las Milpas Rd., Pharr TX 78577) IDEA Owassa (1000 E. Owassa Rd., Pharr, TX 78577)
Texas Declared Federal Disaster; Mayor Applauds CBP Efforts to Keep Border Safe
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020
Pharr, Texas – Amid the rapidly-evolving situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Pharr and Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., will be providing regular updates to keep the media and the public informed as information develops. City officials urge media outlets to please share with their respective reading/viewing/listening audiences.
Texas Declared Federal Disaster
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced today the approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas by President Donald J. Trump. The declaration will allow for additional federal assistance to save lives, protect property, public health, and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of COVID-19.
Mayor Applauds CBP Efforts to Keep Border Safe from Spread of COVID-19
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., meets with CBP Port Director Carlos Rodriguez.
Pharr, Texas – Though a federal emergency order has limited travel along the U.S.-Mexico border for non-essential travel and services, the border remains open for trade and essential travel. In response to community concerns regarding Pharr’s proximity to the border as a recently-identified “hot spot” whereby individuals traveling to or through Pharr from unknown international countries of origin might pose a risk to the health, safety, and wellbeing of our Pharr community, this morning, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., took proactive measures to meet with officials at the Pharr International Bridge, including the U. S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine what procedures are being taken to ensure that those who cross the bridge are not at risk of being infected and spreading the coronavirus when they enter our country and our city. CBP officials assured Hernandez that they are acting in accordance with President Donald J. Trump’s emergency declaration.
According to CBP officials, “CBP will utilize appropriate methods to maintain operational control of any individuals seeking entry to the United States and will prohibit the entry of any person who may pose a public health risk to the United States.”
As a physician and surgeon, Mayor Hernandez has been concerned for the public health of our Pharr community and that of the Rio Grande Valley. “During this public health emergency, it is critical that as leaders, we are doing whatever it takes to protect the health and safety of our citizens,” said Hernandez.
“I want to thank our partners at CBP, especially Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, for his leadership in rolling out this flawless initiative,” Hernandez stated. “These dedicated men and women serving our country continue to ensure that at the Pharr International Bridge, critical trade and commerce remain moving forward, and illegal crime and narcotics activity is stopped. Now, they are selflessly answering the call of duty to our country by adding this additional responsibility of working to protect and preserve our citizens’ public health at the border,” Hernandez continued. “I applaud the CBP’s efforts to control the safety of our borders and for their responsiveness in addressing our concerns,” he added.
“Evidence around the world is demonstrating the devastating impact and loss of lives that this virus can cause,” Hernandez stated. “With the right communication and coordination in place, we can calm the waters with respect to what is going on around the country,” Hernandez added.
“Most importantly, it is imperative that everyone understand that we all need to continue to do our part to slow the spread of this disease to try to minimize the impact it will have on our community,” he ended.
City of Pharr and CBP officials meet to discuss border safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
