Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez on Monday sent out a news release about the emergency order he signed on Sunday.

The emergency order was issued Sunday and took effect immediately.

“It is not martial law – the county is not on lockdown,” Cortez said in a pre-recorded video message.

According to the news release, restrictions in the emergency order include:

• All persons in Hidalgo County must abide by a stay-at-home curfew between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. This order does not apply to persons who are:

• Part of the critical infrastructure industry. 
• Persons who work for government agencies that will remain open as determined by local government authorities.
• Persons traveling to and from essential businesses and retail establishments.
• Persons authorized to travel by the Emergency Management Director.
• Law enforcement, first responders and emergency medical services personnel.
• All fees and service charges associated with telephone and online payments to Hidalgo County will not be imposed.
• All deadlines imposed by local law enforcement shall be suspended for 30 days.
• Evictions shall cease for 30 days.
• Foreclosures shall cease for 30 days.
• People are encouraged to limit in-person transactions in Hidalgo County facilities.
• Only essential and emergency matters shall be conducted in the Hidalgo County Courthouse pursuant to orders of the Texas Supreme Court.
• All nonessential County related travel is suspended.
• All nonessential County related events are suspended.
• All county boards and advisory committees shall cease in person meetings.
• Most facilities in Hidalgo County parks will be off limits.
• Essential County operations shall remain open.
• No one is allowed to visit nursing homes; retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical care.
• Schools shall temporarily close.
• Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 will be ordered to isolate themselves at home.
• Price controls remain in effect.
• Child care must comply with state standards.
• Day activity and health services facilities must comply with state standards as directed by Governor Greg Abbott’s March 19 executive order of disaster.

“The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court does not take these actions lightly,” Cortez said in the news release. “But we feel obligated to act decisively to limit the effects of this highly contagious strain of coronavirus. We have been saying for days that people are safest by staying home. These orders help facilitate that.”