EL PASO (AP) – El Paso residents are under a curfew as local officials try and curb a current surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
El Paso County Judge Richard Samaniego issued the order, telling residents to stay home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the next two weeks in hopes of curbing the spread of the virus.
There’s a $500 fine for violators.
Samaniego told residents via social media that he’s looking out for their best interest.
I am left with no choice but to take this next step in hopes of seeing some stability in our community and most importantly to save lives. #fightagainstcovid19
— County Judge Ricardo Samaniego (@EPCountyJudge) October 26, 2020
On Sunday, county health officials reported 772 new cases, a day after a record 1,216 cases were reported Saturday.
Sunday’s case count makes up more than 20% of the daily case count statewide.
1,443 new COVID-19 cases and 118 delayed testing results by the State are being reported today for a total of 12,470 active cases and 40,887 cumulative cases.
One death is also being reported for a total of 576. The patient was a male in his 70s with underlying conditions. pic.twitter.com/9ClGFN55uN
— City of El Paso (@ElPasoTXGov) October 26, 2020
Governor Greg Abbott announced that part of the El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center will be used as a temporary hospital with staff setting up 50 beds to start. He said another 50 beds could be added if needed.
Abbott’s office had recently sent a surge team of medical personnel and equipment to the region.
Copyright 2020. Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. WBAP contributed to this report.
