I have five key updates to share with you today:
Nursing Home Outbreak and Response
This week, Health officials discovered an outbreak of coronavirus at the Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. So far, 67 of the 84 residents have tested positive, one of whom passed away earlier this week. This is tragic news. Measures are underway to reduce the risk of a situation like this occurring again. Some of the measures include:
- The Fire Department is visiting all nursing homes in the city. Health authorities will evaluate infectious control and environmental health procedures at nursing homes with low scores from Medicare and Medicaid.
- Health authorities are testing all nursing home employees a for the virus.
- An updated the Public Health Emergency Order will prohibit nursing home staff from working in multiple facilities.
I want to thank the members of the San Antonio Fire Department and of the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for their efforts, as well as the frontline workers in our healthcare system: doctors, nurses, hospital workers and nursing home staff.
Mayor Revises Public Health Emergency Order
Today Mayor Nirenberg issued a revised emergency order. New health protective measures now include:
- Staff members at long-term care facilities may only work at one facility. Long-term care facilities should identify and exclude potentially infected staff members and implement appropriate infection control measures (as mentioned above);
- The City has the authority to revoke Certificates of Occupancy for businesses as an enforcement measure for repeat violations of Stay Home Work Safe orders (this gives the City authority to shut down businesses);
- All food, household staples retail, including those doing pick-up/delivery must now limit number of people at pickup or in an establishment so that social distancing may be maintained, implement an organized line system where spacing is at least 6 feet apart, and post the establishment’s guidelines that limit number of people and implement the line system;
- Closure of park amenities including playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, skate plazas and splash pads at all community recreational areas;
- Closure of City parks, except for walking/running/biking trails, on Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend;
- Closure of all municipal and private golf courses and driving ranges (including frisbee courses).
To report a violation of the Stay Home, Work Safe order call 210-207-SAPD. More information about the Stay Home Work, Safe order is available at
www.sanantonio.gov.
Doctor's Referral No Longer Required for COVID-19 Test
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District has modified the COVID-19 testing criteria. A doctor’s referral is no longer required. Now, anyone with symptoms can get tested. Residents can schedule a testing appointment by calling 210-233-5970 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If you are feeling unwell during the weekend please call your physician, an urgent care center or a federally qualified clinic if you are uninsured.
A list of federally qualified clinic is included below.
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Religious Services & Technical Assistance for Remote Services
Faith is a critical part of life for many, and especially during trying times, like those we are experiencing. During this time of grave health risk, health authorities respectfully urge that religious worship and prayer service continue to be carried out via telephone, internet, or otherwise alternative means, to ensure the health protection of congregation members and greater community. If your place of worship is in District 7 and would like some assistance setting up a conference call or video meeting, please contact our office at 210-207-0870.
Business and Employment Workgroup Kicks Off First Meeting
Today, County Commissioner Chico Rodriguez and I chaired the first meeting of the Mayor and Judge’s Business and Employment Community Action Workgroup. I am joined on the working group by Councilwoman and small business owner Shirley Gonzales, Restaurateur and Rosario’s owner Lisa Wong, Castle Hills Mayor and construction business owner JR Trevino, and Texas Organizing Project Executive Director and working families advocate, Michelle Tremillo. Our first conversation was about the most urgent needs for small businesses, their employees and working families. Please stay tuned for updates.
Continue to stay safe, San Antonio, and we’ll get through this soon enough.
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Local COVID-19 Updates
- As of April 3, there are 342 cases of COVID-19 in San Antonio. 93 are cases of community spread. This means that the diagnosis cannot be traced to travel or close contact with an infected individual. There have been five deaths attributed to the virus in San Antonio. Of those cases, 47 cases have made a full recovery.
- Contact tracing results for COVID-19-positive officer determined potential exposures to be low or negligible risk to the public. Assistant City Manager Dr. Colleen Bridger explains what this means for the individuals who came in contact with the officer.
- Please continue practicing social distancing and frequent hand-washing. Please remember that public or private gatherings with people outside of one's household are expressly prohibited by the Stay Home, Work Safe Order.
- If you think you have seen a violation of the Stay Home, Work Safe Order, please call 210-207-SAPD or email Covid-19@sanantonio.gov.
Community Updates
- The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act just passed by Congress is intended to assist business owners with needs they have right now. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available for business owners needing assistance.
- Have questions about your right to work? The Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) has information available for workers affected by COVID-19. Información para trabajadores afectados por el coronavirus está disponible aquí.
- During this time, AT&T is providing 60 days of free internet service to new customers who sign up for the Access from AT&T plan before April 30. Click here to sign up.
- Today at 7:30 p.m., District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca J. Viagran invites you all to please encourage your District residents to light up their porches, with any sort of light to offer support and thanks to the many medical professional and first responders working to aid our residents during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- The Texas Workforce Commission has been experiencing a high volume of calls within the last weeks. If you are having trouble applying for benefits, reach out to the office of Senator Jose Menendez at 210-733-6604.
- The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is currently operating five drop-off locations for residents to bring tax documents. This drop-off option includes curbside service to minimize congregating or physical contact.
- The Rape Crisis Center is now recruiting volunteer hospital advocates. Volunteers will be on-boarded once the city is allowed to resume in-person business. Please visit here for more information.
- What is a Heartshake? The Heartshake, or Saludo de Corazón, is the new handshake, hug or kiss in social distancing to help reduce the coronavirus in San Antonio. To find out more, visit ConCorazonSA.org.
- Northside ISD is extending distancing learning until May 4. Reach out to NISD for more information.
- Beginning Monday, April 6, Northside ISD will add more locations for meal distribution, bringing the number to 20 schools where families can pick up hot meals. Additions are: Mary Hull, Burke, Adams Hill, Carlos Coon, Cody, Rhodes and Driggers
As a reminder, please be mindful of where you receive your information. Trust only reliable news sources that provide the latest and most accurate information.
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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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Additionally, please note the following resources:
- Beware of price gouging. It is illegal to raise the cost of necessary supplies at any point during a declared disaster. Call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online.
- Small, minority, and women-owned businesses may qualify for 0% interest loans from between $500 to $100,000 from LiftFund.
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Federally Qualified Clinics
for Uninsured Persons
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How You Can Help Your Neighbors
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Looking for a way to help your neighbors during this time? Here are a few ideas:
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The City has identified the following community volunteer opportunities:
- Consider checking in on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly or have pre-existing medical conditions. Give them a call or send them a text message to let them know you're willing to help if they need it. If you're getting ready to go to the grocery store, consider offering to pick up items they might need.
- Prepare hygiene kits for outreach to homeless persons. Individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness may not have access to COVID-19 information or hygiene supplies. City of San Antonio Homeless Street Outreach Teams will deliver hygiene kits, assess needs, and connect people to services.
- Hygiene kits for the street homeless population are needed. Hygiene kits will include, but are not limited to, the following: hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, soap, bottle of water, socks, and snacks. Items may be packaged in plastic grocery bags.
- Hygiene kits can be delivered to your nearest SAPD SAFFE substation. Additional information at: https://www.sanantonio.gov/SAPD/SAFFE
- Deliver food to seniors with Meals on Wheels. Many seniors in our community depend on home food delivery while self-distancing. Volunteers are needed to deliver perishable and non-perishable food items to their homes.
- Contact Meals on Wheels at samanthaf@mowsatx.org or call (210) 599-7405 ext. 309.
- Volunteer as an Elder Friend with Meals on Wheels. Homebound elderly individuals are in need of socialization and friendship.
- Elder Friend volunteers typically serve three hours per week with a home-bound senior and do things such as play games, take a walk, run small errands or go out to eat as advisable.
- Contact Meals on Wheels at samanthaf@mowsatx.org or call 210-599-7405 ext. 309.
- Volunteer with homeless service providers. Volunteers are needed to provide services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Volunteers assist with serving meals, sorting clothes, engaging with clients (arts/crafts, singing, etc.) and helping with everyday program operations.
- Contact SARAH Volunteer Registration here.
- Contact Have for Hope Volunteer Opportunities at volunteers@havenforhope.org or 210-220-2549 or here.
- Plan grocery shopping strategically. Major grocers are overwhelmed with urgent shoppers while small grocers are under-shopped.
- To redistribute the crowds, use NextDoor, or other social media, to organize your neighborhood’s shopping days. Note smaller grocers in your area as alternatives. Example: Odd house numbers shop Monday, Wednesday, Friday and even numbers shop Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Designate Sundays or a particular time window for elderly shoppers.
- Participate by putting a sign with #taketurns in your window. Use #taketurns to spread the word.
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Updates from Local Universities
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District 7 Office
Work Arrangements
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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 will remain accessible for your phone calls and emails.
- We will begin calling into neighborhood association and HOA meetings, should you choose to host them. If you would like help hosting a video or conference call for your NA/HOA meeting, we can assist!
- We are postponing office events for the time being.
We appreciate your understanding.
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We are accessible for your phone calls and emails
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Brass Professional Center
4414 Centerview Dr, Ste #160
Monday - Friday:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed for Lunch:
12:00 pm- 1:00 pm
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Plaza de Armas
100 Military Plaza
Monday - Friday:
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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