Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez becomes the most recent county judge in the Rio Grande Valley to issue an amended emergency order prohibiting or restricting Halloween celebrations and activities.
In a news release last Wednesday, Cortez stated that public safety was at the top of his mind when making the decision.
“I recognize that these are extraordinary safety measures, but I also am mindful that COVID-19 remains an active and deadly threat to our community,” Cortez said in the news release.
The amended order does allow for cities in the county to host their own celebrations with safety protocols in place and offers alternatives such as drive-by Halloween costume contests or a socially-distanced outdoor movie night.
Cortez did not choose to opt-in to Governor Gregg Abbot’s Executive Order GA-32 which allowed counties the option to re-open bars and similar establishments.
Vaquero Radio interviewed Cortez and asked his response on the possibility of residents traveling to Cameron County where bars have reopened as previously reported.
“Well you know that’s usually what happens when you can’t do things in a certain area then you gravitate and go to somewhere else,” Cortez said. “You know, people in Hidalgo County can go enjoy a beer, a mixed drink, or whatever in a restaurant. ”
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. signed a similar amended order on Oct. 16 which will last until at least Nov. 9. Treviño stated why activities are being restricted.
“The idea of parties and people getting together and enjoying themselves drinking leads potentially to the lower use of masks, facial coverings, lower use of social distancing so you combine those two plus crowds of individuals and you’re talking about spreading events,” Treviño said.
Cortez asks county residents to practice safety protocols when traveling outside of the county.
“Well, we’re always concerned with people traveling,” Cortez said. “We don’t know where the environment is outside so we ask people to be safe, to practice the protocols to be safe.”
As of last Wednesday, all four counties issued amended emergency orders or proclamations restricting or prohibiting Halloween celebrations.
For information on alternative Halloween activities, visit cdc.gov/halloween.
For Vaquero News, I’m Justin Elizalde.
