City of San Luis has lowest cases of COVID-19 in Yuma County

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA/KECY/Telemundo 3) - According to data provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Yuma County reported a total of 9,378 cases on Monday night. 3,133 in Somerton and 852 in the City of San Luis.

"Our numbers have increased but not at the rate of other communities in the county," said City of San Luis Mayor Gerardo Sanchez. "For being a border community the numbers have remained low."

Sanchez expressed that the low numbers spark some joy because it shows that the face covering city-wide ordinance is effective.

In a call to his community, Mayor Sanchez announced that starting next week, face covering measures will be enforced. Even though there is a hefty $2,500 fine if you are not wearing a face covering, Mayor Sanchez hopes that authorities don't have to reach heights of fining citizens.

"You won't be fined $2,500, it all depends on the situation," said Sanchez. "If you forgot your face covering, you can get fined $1, $5, it all depends on the judge, but you should be conscious that if you are positive for COVID-19, then the cost is greater to you, our goal is to not fine."

The Mayor also spoke about border restrictions that have helped minimize the spread within the community. Since the start of restrictions, border crossing has dropped by 70% compared to last year.

"This has helped stop the spread," said Sanchez. "It's helped on both sides, because COVID is in both the U.S. and Mexico, you can't go on saying it's only over there."

Sanchez added that he can't compare local data against numbers in San Luis Rio Colorado since it's in a foreign country.

"It's real difficult because we've tested over 40,000 cases," said Sanchez. "The test result process needs to be faster than the 10-day delay we currently face."