Coronavirus Update for 4-2-2020
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.
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