El Paso hits 300 confirmed virus cases as city extends stay home order to May 17

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso health officials reported eight new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the county’s total number to the milestone 300 mark, but the number of deaths remained at two.

Among the latest infections was a worker at a state health call center, which has resulted in the facility being temporarily closed.

Monday's milestone announcement came one month after El Paso recorded it's first virus case on March 13. It also came just hours after El Paso City Council voted to extend to May 17 the emergency order that directs residents to stay home and only go out for essential business.

"We continue to urge residents to stay home and use a face covering when out performing essential duties or tasks,” said City/County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza. “This is a true emergency and we need everyone to take responsibility and insist on strict cooperation."

During the Easter weekend, city officials said there were 319 complaints about violations of the stay home order; 311 warnings were given and eight citations were issued.

But despite those numbers, many El Pasoans have complained to ABC-7 that there needs to be greater enforcement action because people are still routinely ignoring the order. Some residents told ABC-7 that frequent reports to the city's 3-1-1 compliance hotline have gone unanswered or were not acted upon.

Jorge Rodriguez, El Paso's emergency management coordinator warned that if anyone who is cited faces a potentially hefty punishment.

“Citations can cost an individual up to $1,000 or up to 180 days in jail, additionally businesses risk losing their city permits,” he said.

Below is the latest case locator map and other demographic information on the virus outbreak as provided by the health department.