City to Residents: Stricter Orders Coming Amid Coronavirus ‘Community Spread’

With the number of COVID-19 cases in El Paso County now numbering in the 40s and evidence of community spread confirmed, city and health officials are warning El Pasoans to prepare for the implementation of stricter measures.

According to the statement released Sunday, Mayor Margo is working with Dr. Ocaranza, head of the El Paso City/County Health Authority, and County Judge Samaniego to revise the current Stay Home/Work Safe order with more rigid measures, which they plan to implemented on Tuesday.

"As expected, we now have evidence of community spread," Dr. Ocaranza said in the statement. Community spread means the source of infection is unknown in some of the positive cases. The stricter measures are designed to slow the threat posed by community spread infections.

Ocaranza is urging El Pasoans to do their “civic duty” and comply with all current and future health orders. “I will continue to repeat myself—as there is no cure for this virus at this time—we must all do our part by strictly practicing social distancing, stay at home as ordered and follow the CDC guidelines,” he said.