LAREDO, Texas — The nation is reeling from the newest surge in COVID cases as omicron is now the country's dominant strain. The city of Laredo in Webb County is one of many areas affected, given its substantial transmission levels, according to Local Health Authority Dr. Victor Trevino.

Mayor Pete Saenz signed a Declaration of Public Health Emergency and issued a COVID-19 Mitigation Order. Both are effective immediately to hinder the local spread of the virus.

A press release from the City of Laredo says, “Mayor Saenz, in coordination with Health Authority, Dr. Victor Trevino, and Health Director, Dr. Richard Chamberlain, issue an Emergency COVID-19 Mitigation Order which applies to all City employees regarding exposure to COVID-19 or contracting the virus. All City-related travel and trainings will be postponed or rescheduled until further notice. Also, all boards, commissions, and committee meetings shall be either rescheduled or conducted virtually whenever possible.”

Additionally, public city-owned facilities are instructed to operate at 50% capacity, which includes libraries, recreation centers and administrative buildings. Social distancing measures will be in place.

Fortunately, the high positivity rates seen in Texas haven’t impacted Laredo’s hospital admissions. However, the city wants to be ahead of the curve in preventing its healthcare workers from infection. “This will allow us to continue providing basic municipal services and avoid experiencing a shortage of hospital personnel to care for patients,” according to the City of Laredo.  

The city says the declaration will remain active for the next seven days from its issuance, unless renewed by City Council.