Mercedes Dome used as COVID-19 treatment facility
Staff Report
With the Valley facing another possible shut down due to high numbers, city officials are taking a proactive approach with making the Dome accessible. As of July 9, the total number of COVID-19 stats for Mercedes are total 231 with 118 active and 113 released.
This prompted an emergency meeting Friday July 10. This meeting was called to secure the Dome as a temporary COVID-19 Treatment Facility, which would be used by the County. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henry Hinojosa at 1 p.m. A full commission was present with Commissioner Jose Gomez attending via phone.
With hospital beds in our area reaching capacity, Hidalgo County officials have been looking for alterative care sites. However, entering peak hurricane season the dome would be unusable for emergency or flooding. City Manager Sergio Zavala, stated, “arrangements have been made with Mercedes ISD Superintendent Carolyn Mendiola and Chacon Middle School is available if needed.” Emergency Management Coordinator Javier Campos agreed with using the Dome. He stated, “we used the Dome this week and tested close to 900 citizens.” The vote to open the Dome for COVID-19 access was unanimous.
“I heard of a resident not being able to breathe well with COVID but hospitals could not admit, I contacted the Fire Chief Campos and asked what could be done,” said Commissioner Benavidez. “This started the process on making of an Emergency Meeting.”
