Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid Friday confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 in Kingsville just a day after enforcing a stay-at-home order.
“Unfortunately, this morning both the city mayor and myself received word from a local hospital that there had been a confirmed case of COVID-19 virus in the city of Kingsville,” Madrid said.
City officials said the case is being considered traveled related. The cased involves a man in his 40s or 50s who traveled to and from Waco, Texas, to Kingsville.
The victim remained in quarantine during his time of evaluation until his symptoms required immediate medical attention.
“This gentlemen did the right thing, when he got sick he quarantined himself and stayed their for six days…he went into the emergency room because he needed help,” Mayor Sam Fugate said.
The victim has been transferred to a local hospital in Corpus Christi where he remains in isolation and is receiving proper medical care.
With COVID-19 is on the rise there is a severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). The Texas Department of Health Safety has issued a time change in remote testing cities in order to maximize the use of equipment.
Testing cites will now only be open on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. and an appointment will be required. The testing site for Kleberg County is at Dick Kleberg Park.
“The mayor and I stand hand in hand with this; this is our first case, this is a confirmation of why we all need to stick together and adhere to rules that are being placed by local state and government agencies,” Madrid said.