5 new virus deaths in El Paso; over 1,500 now recovered

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Department of Public health reported Friday that five more people had died of Covid-19 in El Paso County.

The new victims were identified as a woman in her 60s, and four men ranging in age from their 70s to their 90s. The health department said all had underlying health issues.

Nineteen people have died from the virus in just the past week, bringing the total number of El Pasoans killed by it to 77.

“We send our sincerest condolences to the families who lost a parent, a grandparent, a spouse, a friend, a loved one to this disease,” El Paso Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza said. “What makes this virus even more difficult might be the emotional toll, because if you end up in the hospital, you are isolated and unable to have family and friends comfort you."

The total number of cases were now 2,623, an increase of 54 in a day's time. Of those cases, 1,038 were active. More than 1,500 El Pasoans have now recovered.

County hospitals were treating 111 patients, 67 of whom were in intensive care, and 29 people were on ventilators.

As bars were added Friday to the growing list of businesses able to reopen in El Paso, Dr. Ocaranza again cautioned that infected persons with little to no symptoms can still spread the virus to others.

“We urge the public, especially now as more businesses open up, that while we encourage everyone to support our local economy, be smart about it," the county's top doctor said.

He continued, "Be strict and develop good habits when practicing social distancing, including wearing a mask, washing your hands, staying home if sick and limiting your interaction with loved ones who you know are at high risk."

For a complete look at all of the health department's virus data click here.