Special to El Rrun-Rrun
The virus hasn't gone away no matter what deniers may say.
Percentages don't matter much to someone who loses a loved one to the infection. So far 1,047 of our fellow county residents have died, leaving a void in their families' lives.
Another 180 new cases were reported overnight on October 12. So far, the number of recorded cases (if they are to be believed) total 23,492. Nearly everyone knows someone who has been affected by COVID-19, knows of a friend or relative who has sickened or died, or has been touched by the disease.
Now Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño has been given the option and authority to open bars at 75 percent capacity. Will he? The Brownsville Independent School District has been given a waiver to continue distance learning until November 30 after Superintendent Dr. Rene Gutierrez requested a waiver and justified the request saying that the district had recorded 11 fatalities, 179 positive cases, and closed six departments and had to close 16 campuses.
As much as we would love to drop in for a cold brewsky in a bar, we'd rather see the schools open safely before the water holes are thrown open.
Will he?
It is no secret that the bars and lounges on South Padre Island have remained in business despite the COVID-19 cases in the rest of the county and make no bones about it.
But the virus is real. Family and friends of former Cameron County District Clerk Aurora de la Garza know that only too well. We were told by famed lawman George Gavito – and now a OP 10.33 organizer – that the family had reached out to him to lend his support for her as she battles the virus.
He said she is fighting for her life at the Valley Baptist Hospital in Brownsville and a prayer vigil will be held in the hospital parking lot to support her in her struggle.
De la Garza was an avid supporter of prayer for guidance of elected officials and public servants and has been a mainstay of local public life. Her annual support of the Red Mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral was attended by people from all over the county. Today, her family asks for the help of the public as a show of support for her as she struggles for her life in the Intensive Care section of the hospital.
Supporters will gather in front of the hospital starting at 7:30 p.m.