COVID-19 cases rise 50% from past week

HARLINGEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — Data shows that another COVID-19 surge is happening right now across the country and right here in the Rio Grande Valley.

Cameron County Health Authority Dr. James Castillo says cases have doubled each week in the past three weeks.

“Each week, it’s about 50% more cases,” Castillo said. “You know, it’s it seems to be a trend with the new variants covid seems to come around every year sometime in the late summer heading into early fall.”

The Thirteen o’Clock Theater in Weslaco posted on social media that they had to cancel due to cases of COVID-19 among their actors and staff.

“This decision comes after a significant rise in COVID-19 cases among our cast and crew. This was not an easy decision to make. As a company, we are committed to the safety and health of everyone involved in our productions,” the post stated.

Dr. Castillo says many of those getting the virus are experiencing mild symptoms. There are currently no COVID-19 hospitalizations right now, but he says some do get it while in the hospital.

“I’ve had patients in the hospitals, they’ll get COVID,” Dr. Castillo said. “But, it’s not what’s putting them there.”

When it comes to COVID-19 medication, Dr. Castillo and local pharmacists say there is no shortage. Bobby Muniz, who owns Muniz Rio Grande Pharmacy in Harlingen, says common treatments are readily available for patients who are most at risk.

“It’s indicated for patients that are 50 and older,” Muniz said. “So, it’s not for everybody. What we’re seeing, like I said that the cases are a lot milder. So you can either let it run its course or you can take some medications just for the symptoms.”

He says some pharmacies might not have them in stock as demand has dropped over time He also adds most insurance carriers cover certain medications for patients.

However, the same does not apply to COVID-19 home tests.

“Home tests used to be covered by insurance, and they’re not covered by all insurance anymore,” Muniz said. “Some insurances still covered the home test, which as you and I both know, that’s become very useful to be able to test at home, not expose other people at work, or in school. But unfortunately, those are not covered by all insurances anymore.”

Muniz says they also provide curbside pick-up for anyone infected with the virus or fear that they might expose others.

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