El Paso reports another virus death and 18 new cases; governor sends in rapid response team
EL PASO, Texas -- The El Paso Department of Public Health on Sunday reported one new coronavirus death, bringing the total number of deaths to 33, as Texas' governor sent in a surge response team to help local health leaders deal with the pandemic.
“We are disappointed to report another death due to the virus, and we send our sincerest condolences to his family,” said City/County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza, who identified the latest victim as a man in his 60s.
Ten of El Paso's virus deaths, or 30%, have now happened over just the past four days.
El Paso officials also announced 18 new virus cases on Sunday, continuing with the ongoing spate of double-digit daily increases, bringing the county’s caseload tally to 1,340. Hospitalizations were up slightly to 85, and there were 39 patients in intensive care - virtually unchanged from the prior day.
“Due to the recent spike in Covid-19 positive cases and deaths, I contacted Gov. (Greg) Abbott for assistance with more testing capacity and hot-spot epidemiology analysis,” Mayor Dee Margo said. “He agreed to send his Rapid Response Team to El Paso immediately."
Margo said the rapid response team and the health department are opening up new mobile test sites within neighborhoods to help make testing more accessible for those with virus symptoms.
The testing dates and locations listed below will be drive-thru and by appointment only. You must make an appointment a day in advance either online at TXCOVIDTEST.ORG or by calling 512-883-2400.
May 11:
- Armijo Recreation Center and Pool; 710 E 7th Ave, El Paso, TX
- Nations Tobin Park; 8831 Railroad Dr., El Paso, TX
- Esperanza Acosta Moreno Library; 12480 Pebble Hills Blvd, El Paso, TX
- Memorial Swimming Pool; 3251 Copper Ave., El Paso, TX
May 12 & 13:
- Esperanza Acosta Moreno Library; 12480 Pebble Hills Blvd, El Paso, TX
- Memorial Swimming Pool; 3251 Copper Ave., El Paso, TX
May 14, 15 & 16:
- Armijo Recreation Center and Pool; 710 E 7th Ave, El Paso, TX
- Nations Tobin Park; 8831 Railroad Dr., El Paso, TX
- Esperanza Acosta Moreno Library; 12480 Pebble Hills Blvd, El Paso, TX
- Memorial Swimming Pool; 3251 Copper Ave., El Paso, TX
Margo said the testing at the sites noted above will be free and available to those who show symptoms or are in high-risk groups. Ocaranza said the signs and symptoms of Covid-19 include fever, chills, cough, fatigue, body aches, muscle or joint pain, shortness of breath, sore throat, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal congestion, and loss of taste and/or smell.
Below is the latest coronavirus case locator map and other demographic information on the virus outbreak as provided by the health department.
The map shows the amount of positive cases by zip codes, with the number of cases in red dots: 79821 (4), 79835 (39), 79836 (10), 79838 (13), 79849 (23), 79853 (23), 79901 (12), 79902 (16), 79903 (46), 79904 (41), 79905 (59), 79907 (66), 79911 (8), 79912 (99), 79915 (60), 79922 (6), 79924 (68), 79925 (55), 79927 (75), 79928 (93), 79930 (40), 79932 (56), 79934 (32), 79935 (31), 79936 (172), 79938 (193).
