Playbook for Businesses Reopening

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May 9, 2020

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Dear Neighbors,

You're Invited to a Weekly Facebook Live every Wednesday

After the response to last two Facebook Live videos, I'm happy to announce that we will host one each week on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. on Facebook for the next month. Each week, we'll update you on the latest community and City Council news and take questions from you and your neighbors.

Hope you'll join us this week!

Economic Transition Team Releases Guidelines for Safely Opening San Antonio Businesses

This week, the COVID-19 Economic Transition Team (ETT) released recommendations for safely reopening businesses in the greater San Antonio area. The Economic Transition Team’s guidelines build on the minimum standards outlined in Governor Abbott’s Open Texas plan as well as San Antonio's COVID-19 Health Transition Team’s Advisory Guidelines to reopen our city. The report includes:

A playbook for businesses that includes guidance and recommendations on how to reopen safely;
A proposal for the City and County to help local businesses purchase face coverings, no-touch thermometers and hand sanitizer;
A safety pledge for businesses can take to demonstrate their commitment to keeping their customers and employees safe.

During our discussion at this week’s joint meeting of the City Council and County Commissioners Court, I thanked the team for their excellent work and expressed the importance of also considering what businesses will do if an employee becomes sick with COVID-19.

The report is available for you to view here . You can also watch the presentation given to City Council and Commissioners Court here .

Governor Moves to Reopen Certain Businesses and Activities

On Wednesday, Governor Abbott issued a new executive order allowing more types of business to reopen. As of yesterday, May 8, cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, tanning salons, and swimming pools are permitted to operate. Beginning Monday May 18, additional manufacturing services will be allowed to open, as well as gyms. For more information on Governor Abbott’s Executive Order, click here .

City of San Antonio and Bexar County remind renters of their protections amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

This week, City Manager Erik Walsh and Bexar County Manager David Smith mailed a letter to landlords to remind them of federal and state protections for tenants. These include:

Federal Tenant Protections:

A 120-day moratorium on evictions for any residential property that receives federal housing funds, including both public housing and mixed income housing beginning March 27, 2020 and ending on July 24, 2020.
A restriction on landlords from filing legal action to recover possession of a rental unit from the tenant for nonpayment of rent or other fees and charges OR from filing fees, penalties, or other charges to the tenant related to nonpayment of rent.
A restriction on landlords from issuing a notice to vacate until after July 24, 2020 unless the moratorium period is extended by the federal government
A requirement that landlords must provide a 30-day notice to vacate whenever eviction actions begin after the expiration of the CARES Act moratorium.

State of Texas Tenant Protections:

A stay on all court proceedings involving petitions for eviction for non-payment of rent which will be in effect until at least May 18, 2020.
A prohibition on issuing writs of possession requiring tenants to move out of their property until at least May 25^th. (Bexar County Justices of the Peace have further suspended eviction proceedings in Bexar County until June 1, 2020.)

To see which local properties are subject to the federal CARES Act protection for tenants, review the best available data here . For more information on tenant protections during COVID-19, click here .

Re-envisioning Culebra Road

It’s critical that our streets are safe for drivers, pedestrians, and bikers alike. That’s why I voted on Thursday to approve the development of a plan to re-envision Culebra Road in a way that protects all commuters and sets the stage for economic revitalization of the corridor.

Culebra Road is one of the busiest roadways and commercial corridors in District 7. However, it’s also one of the most dangerous roads for both drivers and pedestrians.

Part of this project will include giving residents a chance to weigh in on how we can improve Culebra Road. When those opportunities are announced later this year, my team will share them on the District 7 social media pages and here in our newsletter.

You can watch the full discussion here .

We will get through this, together, San Antonio.

Yours in public service,

COVID-19 Updates

As of May 8, there are 1,835 cases of COVID-19. Of these, 927 of these individuals have made a full recovery. Unfortunately, we have had 56 deaths attributed to the virus in San Antonio.

The City of San Antonio has created a COVID-19 Website The website provides up-to-date information and resources to help residents and businesses respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is issuing guidance to unemployment claimants concerning their continued eligibility for unemployment benefits should they refuse rehire.

The City of San Antonio and Bexar County want to remind the community of renter protections during this time. Click on the link to access resources available to you.

Neighborhood and Housing Services is offering emergency rent and housing assistance during this time. Click the link to access the application or call 210-207-5910 for further assistance.

Tenants who have experienced harassment in the form of illegal lockouts from their home can find self-help packets here. Frequently asked questions on your rights as a tenant or landlord can be found here.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has released two tools that help renters check if their properties are financed by federally backed mortgages. To learn if your property is covered, visit KnowYourOptions.com or Freddie Mac's website

If you need help in determining what businesses are deemed "essential" by the State of Texas, click here.

Animal Care Services and BISSELL Pet Foundation host Empty the Shelters. Through appointments, constituents will be able to adopt a pet at a reduced adoption fee. To schedule an appointment, click here. To view some of the pups and kitten up for adoption, click here.

Please continue practicing social distancing and frequent hand-washing. Please remember that for now, public or private gatherings with people outside of one's household are expressly prohibited by the Stay Home, Work Safe Order.

Community Updates

If you are in need of food assistance, the San Antonio Food Bank is here to help offering daily food distribution at multiple locations as well as home delivery services for seniors.

Endeavors is offering immediate financial assistance for qualifying veterans. If you are a veteran in need of assistance can call (210) 469-9664 or email SSVF-SA@endeavors.org.

Are you in need of utility assistance? You may qualify for the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) by CPS. Click here to find out more on qualifications.

VIA will not charge fares for bus, VIAtrans, and VIA link through May 17. Click here for more information.

Senior Planet offers online activities for residents in our community to enhance digital literacy and maintain social connection during this time. For a list of activities, click here.

The San Antonio Clubhouse is a Community Center where adults with mental health conditions can volunteer, learn and grow. They offer online programming at all hours of the day for your convenience. If you are interested in joining in on their daily meetings, click here or call 210-798-1619.

The Texas Health and Human Services Department has launched a statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic at 833-986-1919. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Texas Workforce Commission is experiencing a high volume of calls within the last weeks. If you are having trouble applying for benefits, reach out to the office of State Senator Jose Menendez at 210-733-6604.

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.

Stay Informed

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.

Community Resources

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.

Additionally, please note the following resources:

(CARES) Act Info Guide

School Meal Finder

COVID-19 Emergency Childcare Assistance

The Rape Crisis Center is now recruiting volunteer hospital advocates.

VITA is offering 5 locations to help with tax services

AT&T is providing 60 days of free internet service

San Antonio Apartment Association (SAAA) Resident Resource Page

H-E-B offering free delivery on pharmacy orders

COVID-19 in Texas: State and Local Housing Stability Policies

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program

Jefferson Outreach is providing no cost food delivery to seniors 60 and over

Charter to Offer Free Access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi For 60 Days For New K-12 and College Student Households and More

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.

Federally Qualified Clinics

for Uninsured Persons

Local Job Listings

How You Can Help Your Neighbors

Looking for a way to help your neighbors during this time? Here are a few ideas:

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.

Updates from Local Universities

District 7 Office

Work Arrangements

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!