Officials across the Rio Grande Valley have been using one word to signify something positive from the rising coronavirus cases – “recovered”.

Around 51% of cases in the Valley have recovered from the virus. However, many are confused as to what it means. Dr. Jose Villalobos at Harlingen Medical Center explained the primary goal is to get patients off oxygen support.

Helping patients breathe again isn’t the only problem. Long-term stays pose a secondary issue for some, such as the elderly.

To be cleared, patients must test negative twice per Centers of Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Dr. Villalobos says testing issues have kept some patients in beds longer than needed – compounding the issue.

The doctor says some confuse the word “recover” with “clear to go on as normal,” but future complications could arise.

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