Following South Korea model, Hidalgo County may move some who have tested positive into hotels

EDINBURG, Texas - Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez has set up a task force to look at a new way of stopping the spread of COVID-19.The problem the COVID Shield Task Force has identified is that a large number of Hidalgo County residents live in three-generational homes: kids, parents and grandparents.The task force also found out that most of the people testing positive for the coronavirus are young and most of the people dying from the virus are old.So, the task force is looking at an idea from South Korea. Namely, moving a segment of the community that has just tested positive out of their home and into a more isolated area, such as a hotel.Those that could be moved include those aged over 65 and those with underlying medical conditions.Judge Cortez has spoken to Gov. Greg Abbott about the idea and is looking for funding for the medical personnel needed to make the plan work. Another thing that needs to be addressed is the issue of liability. Judge Cortez spoke about creating a COVID shield isolation facility during a livestream he held on Facebook on Thursday. He held the livestream in order to tell the people of Hidalgo County why he has extended the county’s stay-at-home order. Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.