COVID-19 Economic Transition Team releases recommendations for safely opening businesses in San Antonio

Suggestions include “Greater. SAfer. Together.” pledge, providing masks for small businesses, checklists for reopening

SAN ANTONIO – The COVID-19 Economic Transition Team released its recommendations Tuesday for safely reopening businesses in the greater San Antonio area.

The suggestions in the team’s report include a pledge businesses can sign to help inspire consumer confidence, checklists for businesses in numerous industries on how to safely operate, and having the city and county help provide health and protective equipment for small businesses. Rather than providing an alternative to Gov. Greg Abbott’s plans for reopening the state, the report works within the framework of what has been announced.

The team was announced on Apr. 21 by San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff. Kevin Voelkel, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, and Julissa Carielo, president of Tejas Premier Building Contractor, Inc., served as co-chairs and presented the plan to City Council and County Commissioners during a virtual special joint meeting.

“The Greater San Antonio Region is resilient. Our inclusive culture and diverse economy sustain us and make us stronger through the hardest times,” Voelkel said in a news release. “The guidance laid out by the ETT seeks to address our community’s specific needs, activate a socially equitable support framework, and deploy a community-wide campaign to instill consumer and visitor confidence.”

The campaign, a centerpiece of the team’s plan, would revolve around a “Greater.SAfer.Together.” pledge business owners could sign online in which they promise to:

  • Use face coverings
  • Practice physical distancing
  • Conduct temperature check
  • Provide hand sanitizer
  • Follow CDC cleaning protocols
  • Implement contactless payment when possible
  • General COVID-19 awareness training for employees

Though the city and county both have orders in place requiring the continued use of face masks, Abbott has said local authorities can’t enforce any penalties for people who do not wear them.

The team’s report also provides checklists on how to safely conduct mass gatherings and reopen and operate businesses across various industries, including restaurants, retail stores, construction and gyms.

The team also included additional recommendations for supporting small businesses. One of which, having the city and county help to secure the supplies they need to comply with safety guidelines, is already underway.

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh said the city has been working to procure about $1.4 million worth of thermometers, hand sanitizer and face coverings that it will package together for distribution to 5,600 to 6,000 small businesses. The goal is for the equipment to go to businesses with 25 or fewer employees.

The team also recommends the nonprofit San Antonio Economic Development Foundation work with others to keep identifying issues for small businesses as well as organizations that could meet those needs.

View the team’s report below:


About the Author:

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.