If there is a fixed star in this age of COVID-19 uncertainty, it is that the state statistics will always be different than the ones generated and passed on the residents of Cameron County.
Another is that local elected officials – from the City of Brownsville and Cameron County – will continue sending mixed messages that minimize the crisis and give residents a false sense of security.
For example, today's 68 reported deaths is the highest number of fatalities in the county – with 58 of them in Brownsville – than any other day the last five months. The State of Texas reports that Cameron County ranks fifth in death of all 254 counties with 806. (Click on graphics to enlarge.)Yet, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño's statement yesterday states that his office has counted 701 deaths. At the same time, his health department lists only 633 in its report to the Brownsville Herald. Who to believe?
So what does Treviño do yesterday?
He amends his emergency order and announces the opening of the county beaches. The order to open the beaches will take effect on Tuesday, one day after Labor Day Monday. But you can be sure that the merchants, bars, and entertainment businesses in South Pare Island will be wide open this weekend welcoming people from throughout the Rio Grande Valley and the rest of Texas.
Wouldn't it have been more prudent, he should have asked his medical sidekick Dr. Jaime Castillo, to wait for another two weeks to see if there is a Labor Day surge before opening up the beaches? As it is, the pre-Labor Day crowds are already at SPI.That city's mayor and city commission have been paying lip service to COVID-19 safety restrictions while welcoming one and all to the bars and beaches.
Are we creating a panic? We merely report the numbers generated by the city, county and state. In their own estimation, the number of reported cases is skyrocketing despite the protests of those who say the entire COVID-19 crisis in much-ado about nothing.
Yeah, that's the ticket.