El Paso leaders say virus cases slowing, but threat remains; restaurants can expand capacity

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso city and county leaders and health officials held a briefing Friday afternoon to provide a coronavirus update, including details of new local health emergency directives.

Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza said "new cases continue to rise, but at a slower rate," but warned El Pasoans not to become complacent as a serious threat still existed. As of Friday, El Paso had a cumulative total of nearly 3,700 virus cases and almost 100 deaths.

Meanwhile, Mayor Dee Margo and County Judge Ricardo Sameniego issued the following local orders to align with state directives from the governor:

• As of Friday, restaurants may operate for dine-in service up to 75% of the total listed occupancy inside the restaurant. This applies only to restaurants that have less than 51% of their gross sales from alcoholic beverages.

• Effective Monday, amusement parks and carnivals in the county may open at 50% capacity.

Officials emphasized that if serious spikes occur in cases and/or hospitalizations, it could lead to a slowing in further reopening of the local economy. They continued to encourage El Pasoans to avoid mass gatherings both at home and in public, wear face coverings and practice social distancing to curb the virus' spread.

Below you can watch Friday afternoon's briefing in its entirety.