FALFURRIAS, Texas — Brooks County, a small Coastal Bend county, has felt the effects of COVID-19 with several buildings in the downtown district now up for sale.
Residents in the area said the city and county have been greatly affected by the pandemic and are hoping that President Trump and the First Lady are feeling better.
But they also hope the President will continue his efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
Brooks County resident Bobby Gonzalez hopes that the Trumps' illnesses highlights the severity of this virus.
“Basically I think it is going to bring awareness to the White House and everybody that it is a serious situation that we're in," Gonzalez said. "I hope the president gets better and people will be more protected.”
Maria Riojas, another resident of the area, hopes the president realizes the urgency of stoping the spread of COVID-19.
“Now that it really hit at home, I hope he understands what a lot of people have gone through, a lot.” Riojas said.
Raul Ramirez, who owns Crosby's Furniture store, says people are afraid to step out of their home and shop at local businesses.
“It's hurt us really bad, people are afraid to go out," Ramirez said. "If people have money, they hold on to it. We don't know what the economy has in store for us.”
Laura Torres, who owns L&M Kraft House, says she relies on social media and online orders to help her business. Torres described how she felt when she heard the news of President Trump's diagnosis.
“I actually hope that they are ok, but I think it is an awakening to experience what a lot of people are going through," Torres said. "It's something hard.”