For Immediate Release
April 29, 2020
Contact:
Felipe Romero, Director of Communications & Marketing
City of Brownsville
Felipe.Romero@cob.us
Irma Garza, Public Information Officer
City of Harlingen
Igarza@myharlingen.us
BROWNSVILLE AND HARLINGEN JOIN FORCES TO COMBAT COVID-19
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (April 29, 2020) — The City of Brownsville Commission and the City of Harlingen unanimously approved an interlocal agreement that allows for residents of Harlingen to be tested at a Brownsville-sponsored Drive-thru COVID 19 testing site. The interlocal agreement builds on the existing close cooperation among the county and other cities in the Rio Grande Valley. Harlingen approved the agreement on April 28, 2020.
“I am proud of the action that the Commission took tonight,” said Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez. “My colleagues throughout the Valley know that to address this threat, we must act as one. Expanding access to testing is a much-needed win as we contemplate slowly re-opening our communities.”
The agreement allows residents of Harlingen to access the Brownsville testing site, improving access to testing and minimizing the need for duplicative efforts. Under the agreement, the City of Harlingen will reimburse Brownsville for the costs of testing Harlingen’s residents. The interlocal agreement addresses costs associated with initial screenings, administering the test, administrative fees, and personal protective equipment.
Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell says “It only make sense to work together during this health emergency. As the emphasis on testing continues to increase, this collaboration between Brownsville and Harlingen will help us to better understand where we are in this fight.”
The agreement goes into effect today, April 29, 2020, and both cities have already begun preparing by adding supplies and medical support staff as necessary to operate smoothly. Residents of Harlingen, regardless of insurance status, can be screened and tested at the Brownsville Drive-Thru Testing site. Testing is available at no cost regardless of whether an individual has health insurance.
To be tested, residents of Brownsville and Harlingen must go to BTXcares.com and answer the screening questionnaire to determine eligibility for testing.
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