Willacy County officials continue pushing for vaccines and mask usage as the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the Valley's smallest county doubles every week.

Currently, 56% of people over 12-years-old in Willacy County are fully vaccinated, but that figure is the lowest in all four counties in the Rio Grande Valley, officials say.

Willacy County Emergency Management Coordinator Frank Torres is asking the community to step up and come together to combat COVID-19.

"We can beat this thing," Torres said. "We just need to work together as a team and get vaccinated, and wear our masks. "

Torres said the 52 cases reported in the county on Tuesday are "very concerning," given the rate at which the people are testing positive.

Last week the Department of State Health Services advised Willacy County of 27 confirmed cases, compared to the 14 cases the week before.

"Even though the number is not huge like in Houston or Dallas," Torres said, "Population-wise and per capita, it's a very high number."

If you live in Willacy County and have questions about the vaccine or need help finding the nearest place to get one, call 956-689–5456.