1 new virus death, increase in ICU patients as El Paso’s top doctor says warnings not being heeded
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso Department of Public Health reported one new death, 114 new cases and an increase in hospitalizations Friday morning.
Health officials identified the latest victim as a man in his 60s with underlying health issues.
“Our hearts go out to this gentleman who lost his battle against this devastating virus, and to his family we send our sincerest condolences,” El Paso health authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza said. “This spike also clearly shows that many people did not heed our warnings during Mother’s Day weekend. We must each acknowledge that we are responsible for our own actions, which affects our friends and family. Why risk yours or their lives?”
The Covid-19 death toll now stands at 58. The number of patients hospitalized now stands at 119. Nine more people are in the ICU, bringing the total 65, and 22 of those patients are on ventilators.
There are 2,160 total cases, and of those 945 are active. 1,157 El Pasoans have recovered since the start of the pandemic.
El Paso city and county leaders expressed concern during a Thursday evening briefing on Covid-19 that the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend will fuel an ongoing surge in cases as people ignore warnings to avoid mass gatherings.
The Department of Public Health published all of the new data here.
