Now more than ever, we need to get serious about staying home and wearing masks.
The number of new COVID-19 cases in just this past week reached nearly 8,000. That's four times the number of students and staff at my high school when I was a senior. For each of those, there are no doubt others who have not been tested or others who may not even have symptoms.
Unfortunately, these numbers tell us that there is tremendous spread of COVID-19 in the community. Without proper precautions, anyone - you, your family, your friends - is at risk of infection.
Be careful. COVID-19 is not just like the flu. Our medical community knows the flu. It has been around for over a hundred years. We do not yet know the full effects of COVID-19.
Remember:
- Stay home if you can;
- Stay at least 6 feet away from those not in your household - this includes family that does not live with you;
- Wear a mask and stay away from those who don't;
- Wash your hands frequently
This won't be forever, but we do need to do this to get past this phase. If we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 by half, we will take another step towards beating this virus.
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Microbusiness Grant Deadline this Monday, July 27
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. The deadline to apply is this Monday, July 27.
Need Help Applying? Contact the Westside Development Corporation by email at info@westsidedevcorp.com or call 210-598-8482.
Safety Supply Kits for Small Businesses and Nonprofits
With the help of some excellent volunteers, my team and I provided over 150 safety supply kits to District 7 small businesses and nonprofit's this past Saturday. Thankfully, a cold front came through just in time (it was only 90 degrees while we were outside!). See our pictures here.
If your small business or nonprofit is interested in a safety supply kit and hasn't already received one, please call my office at 210-207-0870.
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Getting to See the City's Contact Tracing Operation
Earlier this week, I visited Metro Health's Contact Investigation Call Center being set up at the Alamodome. This work is absolutely critical to containing the virus and keeping San Antonio safe.
Seven days a week, case investigators are calling people who have tested positive for the virus. Their goal: helping those individuals isolate, so that they do not spread the virus, and finding who else may have been exposed to the virus and asking those people to stay home until they know they're not infected.
It's incredibly important work. Neighbors, if you get a call from SA Metro Health, make sure to answer it!
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Rest in Peace, Congressman John Lewis
Civil Rights Leader and Congressman John Lewis passed away on July 17. Over the course of his life, Rep. Lewis fought for freedom, dignity, and equality. He fought for the kind of community that Martin Luther King Jr. called "the beloved community."
Representative Lewis was larger than life. Long before he joined Congress, he was one of the 13 original Freedom Riders, a leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and an organizer of the historic March on Washington. He was also brutally beaten during a demonstration at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965.
I pay my deepest respects to his memory and to the unfinished work he leaves us.
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COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program for Small Businesses and Nonprofits
Has your small business or non-profit been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? You may be eligible for a COVID-19 Recovery Grant from the City of San Antonio. Applications are open now through July 27.
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Share the Streets Survey
The “Share the Streets” pilot project on Cincinnati Avenue was designed to limit automobile traffic and create more opportunities for neighbors to enjoy safe, physical activity in front of their residential homes. Now we want to hear from you and your experience during this time! Click here to fill out the quick survey.
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City of San Antonio issues health directive ordering that all schools in Bexar County will conduct remote learning through September 7
The San Antonio Metro Health Department has issued a health directive requiring that schools not re-open for on-campus, face-to-face instruction until after September 7, 2020. The directive applies to all public and private schools. Click here to find out more.
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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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San Antonio Oasis launches Caregiver Reassurance Program
San Antonio Oasis has launched the Caregiver Reassurance Program. This is a free program for those individuals who are caring for a loved one, spouse, family member, etc. over 60 years of age. The program provides frequent reassurance phone calls by trained volunteers offering support and a multitude of community services for caregivers.
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SAPL is Available for Contact-Free Pickups
Although all SAPL locations are still closed for public browsing, SAPL is ready to get your Contact-Free Pickup holds ready! Not sure how to utilize this service? Check out this how-to video: https://youtu.be/7e0EVxQTUrU
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If SA Health Department Calls, 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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Wash Your Hands Frequently
COVID-19 continues to rise in our community at an alarming rate. Make sure to practice everyday preventive behaviors, such as washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important if you have been in a public place. Get more prevention tips at www.covid19.sanantonio.gov.
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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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