Schools: Will They or Won't They?
In light of the high levels of COVID-19 in our community right now, I don't believe our community is ready to send our students back to school in person, and certainly not like normal. My office has received messages from many parents and teachers concerned about the start of the school year. Fortunately, state policies will allow local health authorities to keep schools closed for in-person instruction, without risking school funding.
This is a tremendous responsibility that the City does not take lightly. While remote instruction has its challenges, the health concerns of in-school instruction are great - not just for students, but for teachers and staff.
Metro Health has brought together a group to develop recommendations on when and how in-person instruction should begin. The group includes teachers, parents, students, teachers' unions, school districts, universities, pediatricians, and public health professionals. An update from the task force is scheduled to be provided as early as this evening at the Daily COVID-19 Briefing. You can watch the daily briefings weekdays at 6:13pm on Facebook or on the TVSA website.
Northside ISD announced that students will start the school year on August 24 with distance learning. There will be no in-person instruction until at least the Tuesday after Labor Day, September 8, at the earliest.
San Antonio ISD also announced their reopening plan, which delays the school year start date to August 17, and will be online for at least the first three weeks.
Recovery Grants for Small Businesses
Starting this week, the City of San Antonio is offering $24.7 million in grants to small businesses and non-profits that have been hurt by the pandemic.
The program uses funds from the federal CARES Act and is part of the recovery plan my council colleagues and I approved last month.
If your business has questions or needs additional assistance completing the application, please call my office at (210) 207-0870, call LiftFund Customer Service at 1-800-494-4973, or email info@liftfund.com
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Sanitary Supplies for District 7 Small Businesses
Small businesses should have the supplies they need to keep employees and customers safe. That's why my office is providing small businesses in District 7 with sanitary supply kits. Each kit includes a no-touch thermometer, five face masks, and two gallons of hand sanitizer. The distribution will take place this Saturday, July 18.
To see if your business qualifies for a free supply kit, please call us at 210-207-0870 or email us at District7@sanantonio.gov.
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COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program for Small Businesses and Nonprofits
In partnership with the non-profit organization LiftFund, the City of San Antonio is providing financial assistance in the form of grants to small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted financially by COVID-19.
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The SA CARES 4 Art Grant Program is now OPEN!
The City of San Antonio has allocated federal funds for San Antonio based nonprofit arts, businesses and individual artists who have suffered business interruption due to the COVID-19.
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Stay cool as the summer temperatures start to rise!
The City of San Antonio cooling centers will continue to be open and provide relief from the high temperatures. Cooling centers will observe COVID-19 precautions, including face coverings, screening, sanitation, and social distancing guidelines. Visit the website for a list of cooling centers: www.sanantonio.gov/health.
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SAWS announces once-a-week watering rules (Stage 1)
Stage 1 restrictions begin when the 10-day rolling average of the Edwards Aquifer level drops to 660 feet mean sea level at the monitored well.
This means:
- Watering day is based on last digit of address
- Water Before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
- Watering with an irrigation system, sprinkler or soaker hose is allowed only once a week before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on your designated watering day.
- Hand watering allowed any day, any time
For more information on stage 1 water restrictions, click here.
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The City of San Antonio is asking the public to answer
Contact tracers are working hard to slow the spread of COVID-19. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, contact tracers will call to notify you and the caller ID will read "SA Health Department." Answer the call, self-quarantine at home, and follow the instructions.
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Pools and splash pads to remain closed
The City of San Antonio announced that City pools will not open this summer season and splash pads will remain closed due to the recent resurgence in COVID-19 cases.
“We need the public’s support to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Keeping pools and splash pads closed emphasizes the importance of avoiding gatherings, practicing physical distancing when outside of the home, and wearing face coverings,” noted Homer Garcia III, Director of San Antonio Parks and Recreation.
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For more upcoming COVID testing sites click here.
The City of San Antonio has an online self-screening tool that can help a person determine if they should get tested for COVID-19. This helpful screening tool can be found at https://covid19test.quacito.com/. This tool does not replace medical care if a person is feeling ill
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Click any of the following buttons for reliable information about COVID-19. Additionally, you can text COSAGOV to 55000 to receive SMS text message updates. |
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The following buttons link to community resources should you need any assistance. If you need a service that is not listed below, please contact our office at 210-207-0870 or by email at District7@SanAntonio.gov. |
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See a full listing of resources here. |
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Looking for a way to help your neighbors during this time? Here are a few ideas: |
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See more ideas on how to get involved here. |
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District 7 Council Office |
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During this time, the District 7 Office is continuing to work for you. We are taking the following precautions to protect your health and ours:
- We are taking your phone calls and emails.
- We are calling into neighborhood association and HOA meetings. If you would like help hosting a video or conference call for your NA/HOA meeting, call us!
- We are postponing in-person office events for the time being.
We appreciate your understanding.
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