Community leaders share proposed violence prevention strategies after crime-heavy weekend
The San Antonio community is recovering from a night riddled with violence Saturday โ a teenager shot while playing video games, another woman found shot in her car, and law enforcement using deadly force in two other incidents.
OโConnor students may have also been exposed to tuberculosis case at Brandeis HS, Metro Health says
OโConnor High School has been found to have a direct link to a case of tuberculosis at another Northside Independent School District high school, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District said Friday.
Behind the Kitchen Door: Live roaches in the kitchen, unapproved ice for sale top list of violations
San Antonio Metropolitan Health District inspectors found live roaches, unapproved ice for sale, expired meat and food not being stored properly, among other issues, at the locations featured in this weekโs Behind the Kitchen Door.
Behind the Kitchen Door: Pests, employees not following health guidelines lead to low scores for seafood restaurants
San Antonio Metropolitan Health District inspectors found problems with pests and employees not following basic health guidelines at two separate locations of a local seafood restaurant and bar.
Metro Health expanding vaccine mobile clinic model to bridge gaps in minority health care
During Minority Health Month, communities nationwide are shining the spotlight on disparities in health care for minority populations. Metro Health is doing the same in San Antonio, putting its main focus on immunizations.
Hospitalizations and COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Bexar County; vaccinations appear stalled
Statistics released Tuesday showed sharp jumps in key indicators over the previous set of numbers released on July 21, six days earlier. The seven-day average for new cases leapt up 62 percent, from 363 to 589, and the number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital jumped up 47 percent, from 397 to 585, of which 182 are in the ICU.
Metro Health to make 30,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments available Thursday
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District will make 30,000 first-dose Pfizer vaccine appointments available starting at 7 p.m. Thursday. Residents can register for an appointment on the Metro Health COVID-19 vaccine registration website. The appointments are reserved for people who meet the current criteria for priority groups 1A, 1B, and 1C unless there are still appointments available on Monday when the state opens up vaccines to all adults. By signing up, they will receive a text notifying them of locations that have appointments available. At this time notifications will be for the Alamodome, Wonderland of the Americas operated by University Health, UT Health San Antonio, and WellMed.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, March 21: Health officials report 193 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 202,550 total COVID-19 cases and 3,071 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 193 new cases as of Sunday. Health officials also reported that 188 patients are hospitalized, 76 are in the intensive care unit and 45 are on ventilators. More than 900,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be shipped across Texas this week, according to state health officials. The Texas Department of State Health Services announced the shipment Friday, and said the state is allocating 685,470 doses to at least 481 providers in 183 counties. AdFor more information on this vaccine shipment, or for how many doses will be allocated to Bexar County, click here.
40,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments will open up at the Alamodome Monday evening, officials say
SAN ANTONIO โ Updated Tuesday:All vaccine appointments have been filled, Metro Health officials said Tuesday. Previously:The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District announced that 40,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments will open up on Monday evening. Metro Health will have 10,000 appointments available each week from now through April 3. Health officials said vaccine appointments will become available starting at 6 p.m., Monday, on the Metro Health COVID-19 vaccine registration website. RELATED: How to register for the COVID-19 vaccine in San Antonio when appointments are available
Alamodome to open 10,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments on Sunday
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District will open 10,000 vaccine appointments on Sunday at the Alamodome vaccine location, officials announced. Metro Health is working with state and local partners to help distribute the vaccines to individuals designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The 10,000 first dose vaccine appointments will be available Sunday on the Metro Health COVID-19 vaccine registration website. โResidents without access to the internet can call 311 for assistance with registration,โ officials said in a statement. RELATED: The Latest: First US J&J vaccine doses shipping Sunday night
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Feb. 27: Officials report 482 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 195,719 total COVID-19 cases and 2,520 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 482 new cases as of Saturday. No new deaths were reported today. The 7-day rolling average will be reported during Tuesdayโs briefing since there wasnโt enough data this week due to lack of testing because of last weekโs winter storm. City officials also reported that 455 patients are hospitalized, 186 are in the intensive care unit and 109 are on ventilators. There are 11% of staffed beds available and 64% of ventilators available.
Rural Texas residents drive the distance for COVID-19 vaccines
Boerne Mayor Tim Handren said Kendall County received about 1,200 vaccines in early January, but they were used quickly. AdHandren says the state seems to give preference to hospitals, and Kendall County doesnโt have one. Itโs also about accessibility, and many in that community can drive to hubs like San Antonio for a vaccine. Kendall County will be receiving about 600 Moderna vaccines this week -- 400 for the city and 200 for the county. Yates says she got lucky taking a drive to San Antonio and getting a shot.
Metro Health, WellMed to reopen COVID-19 vaccination registration, receive 9,000 more doses each
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and WellMed have each received 9,000 more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Metro Health, which received a shipment of the Pfizer vaccine, will begin booking appointments Friday for the Alamodome next week. To avoid the overwhelming rush of residents seeking appointments that occurred with the first series of Alamodome appointments, the City of San Antonio will make appointments available on a rolling basis. The registration system will continue to reopen as appointments become available due to cancellations. WellMed received 9,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine for distribution next week.
Metro Health scheduling appointments for second dose of COVID-19
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District has started scheduling appointments for the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Patients who received the first dose of the vaccine by noon Wednesday at the Alamodome are eligible, a news release said. Previously, people who were already vaccinated were told to register online one week prior to when their second dose was due, but thatโs not the case anymore, officials said. Patients will receive a phone call from Metro Health to schedule their second dose. Residents are urged to check daily to see if there are appointments available on the cityโs website or by calling 311 and selecting option 8.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Jan. 9: Leaders report 1,301 new COVID-19 cases, 1 new death
Medical personnel administer COVID-19 testing at a drive-through site, Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, in San Antonio. Coronavirus testing in Texas has dropped significantly, mirroring nationwide trends, just as schools reopen and football teams charge ahead with plans to play. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 130,447 total COVID-19 cases and 1,593 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 1,301 new cases as of Saturday. On Saturday, the Alamodome launched registration for those who are eligible to receive their COVID-1 vaccines at its distribution site. San Antonio City Councilwomen also announced two additional vaccine distribution sites, located on the South and West Sides.
Remaining 40K COVID-19 vaccine doses expected to arrive within the next week, Metro Health says
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District is continuing to work with state and local leaders to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. As of Tuesday, the Bexar County area received approximately 50,000 doses of the vaccine, and more than 31,000 people in the county have been vaccinated, according to Metro Health. โThe remaining 40,000 doses of the initial 90,000-dose allocation for Bexar County is expected to arrive within the next week,โ Metro Health said in a statement on Wednesday. However, early in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program, there will be a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine. Supply will increase into 2021.โThe COVID-19 vaccination plan for Bexar County can be found on the COVID-19 Portal.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Dec. 19: Officials report 744 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 100,822 total COVID-19 cases and 1,442 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 744 new cases as of Saturday. No new deaths were reported today. The cityโs total case count also includes 51 backlogged electronic lab reports, according to Metro Health. COVID-19 Update: December 19 Our thoughts are with the 824 neighbors battling COVID-19 in the hospital this... Posted by Mayor Ron Nirenberg on Saturday, December 19, 2020City officials also reported that 824 patients are hospitalized, 268 are in the intensive care unit and 133 are on ventilators. There are 11% of staffed beds available and 60% of ventilators available.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Dec. 14: 599 new COVID-19 cases reported, no new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio officials announced 599 new COVID-19 cases in Bexar County on Monday. The total number of cases now reported by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District now stands at 94,781. Metro Health also reported that 769 patients are hospitalized, 258 are in the intensive care unit and 115 are on ventilators. In a sign of improvement, the positivity rate in Bexar County dropped from 15% to 12.5%, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. The 7-day rolling average of new daily COVID-19 cases in Bexar County is now 933 a day.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Dec. 13: Leaders report 655 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 94,182 total COVID-19 cases and 1,429 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 655 new cases as of Sunday. The total case count includes a backlog of 51 cases, according to health officials. No new deaths were reported today, but 11 backlogged deaths were added to the cityโs total death toll. Metro Health also reported that 705 patients are hospitalized, 234 are in the intensive care unit and 129 are on ventilators. There are 14% of staffed beds available and 61% of ventilators available.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Dec. 12: Leaders report 992 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 93,476 total COVID-19 cases and 1,418 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 992 new cases as of Saturday. No new deaths were reported today. City officials also reported that 697 patients are hospitalized, 238 are in the intensive care unit and 125 are on ventilators. There are 12% of staffed beds available and 61% of ventilators available. On Saturday, Texas reported 13,254 new coronavirus cases and 235 deaths, according to the state health department.
Schools in San Antonio press forward with in-person learning amid new wave of COVID-19 cases
SAN ANTONIO โ The three largest school districts in Bexar County will allow in-person learners to stay on campus as cases rise and the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District puts the school risk level at โhigh.โMetro Healthโs recommendations for high risk, which it posted online Monday, include not holding in-person instruction. Northside ISD and San Antonio ISD have both pumped the brakes somewhat on bringing more students back to campus. But both districts, along with Northeast ISD, say that students who are already on-campus will be able to stay there. San Antonio ISD Superintendent Pedro Martinez told staff in a letter on Monday that the districtโs recorded positivity rate, based on its testing programs, is much lower - less than 1%. Chancellor also pointed to Metro Health data that shows just seven instances of cases transmitted in Bexar County schools this year.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Dec. 6: Leaders report 1,021 new COVID-19 cases, 2 new virus-related deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 86,986 total COVID-19 cases and 1,397 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 1,021 new cases as of Sunday. Two new deaths were reported today. The cityโs total case count includes 70 backlogged cases. There were also 18 backlogged deaths reported, ranging from July 10 - November 15. City officials also reported that 576 patients are hospitalized, 204 are in the intensive care unit and 105 are on ventilators.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Dec. 5: Leaders report 694 new COVID-19 cases, 1 new virus-related death
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 85,895 total COVID-19 cases and 1,377 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 694 new cases as of Saturday. One new death was reported today. City officials also reported that 576 patients are hospitalized, 208 are in the intensive care unit and 104 are on ventilators. COVID-19 Update - December 5 576 in the hospital battling this disease. Please keep them and... Posted by Mayor Ron Nirenberg on Saturday, December 5, 2020As of Friday, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said the case numbers are expected to increase next week, as thatโs likely when the city will see the impact from Thanksgiving.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Nov. 29: Leaders report 888 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 80,057 total COVID-19 cases and 1,357 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 888 new cases as of Sunday. No new deaths were reported. The total case count also includes a backlog of 758 cases, according to health officials. Health officials also reported that 582 patients are hospitalized, 178 are in the intensive care unit and 96 are on ventilators. A curfew for San Antonio is still in effect, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. that will extend through Monday, Nov. 30.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Nov. 28: Leaders report 629 new COVID-19 cases, 1 new virus-related death
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 78,411 total COVID-19 cases and 1,344 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 1,661 new cases in three days. According to Mayor Ron Nirenberg, 812 new cases were reported on Nov. 25, 220 cases were reported on Nov. 26, and 629 cases were reported Saturday, totaling 1,661 new cases. A curfew for San Antonio is still in effect, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. that will extend through Monday, Nov. 30. They may continue to offer drive-thru, curbside or takeout service once the curfew begins after 10 p.m.Click here to learn more about the curfew. There was no city coronavirus briefing on Thursday or Friday of this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Nov. 22: Officials report 567 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio Metropolitan Health District officials reported 73,882 total COVID-19 cases and 1,335 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 567 new cases as of Sunday. No new deaths were reported today. However, a backlog of 17 deaths, ranging from July 8 - Nov. 6 and 272 deaths reported by other health officials were added to the total number in the county. City officials also reported that 492 patients are hospitalized, 165 are in the intensive care unit and 84 are on ventilators. There are 14% of staffed beds available and 67% of ventilators available.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Nov. 21: Officials report 492 new COVID-19 cases, 2 new virus-related deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio Metropolitan Health District officials reported 72,805 total COVID-19 cases and 1,318 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 492 new cases as of Saturday. Two new deaths were reported today. City officials also reported that 466 patients are hospitalized, 148 are in the intensive care unit and 66 are on ventilators. There are 10% of staffed beds available and 70% of ventilators available.
NEISD & NISD wonโt roll back in-classroom instruction in face of worsening pandemic
โWork to balance the need we have to ensure students and staff are kept safe with the need to address learning loss and instructional needs of individual students,โ Perez said. Though unlike NISD, the district is continuing its outreach efforts to struggling virtual learners. The number of NEISD and NISD cases alone is 573 -- with more from NISD counting off-campus staff -- but the Metro Health data only shows 423 cases for all campuses so far. Asked about the discrepancy, a Metro Health spokeswoman said the data may just not have been reported to them yet. While neither NISD nor NEISD plan to force any of their in-person learners to return to virtual learning, both districts say parents may choose to make that switch.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Nov. 15: Officials report 133 new COVID-19 cases, 1 new virus-related death
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 70,042 total COVID-19 cases and 1,301 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Sunday, an increase of 133 new cases. One hundred sixteen backlogged cases were also added to the countyโs overall total. One new death was reported today and six backlogged deaths, with dates ranging from Aug. 27 to Oct. 22, were added to the countyโs overall total. City officials also reported that 384 patients are hospitalized, 131 are in the intensive care unit and 67 are on ventilators. There are 14% of staffed beds available and 65% of ventilators available.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Nov. 14: Officials report 389 new COVID-19 cases, 1 new virus-related death
(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 69,793 total COVID-19 cases and 1,294 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Saturday, an increase of 389 new cases. One new death was reported today. City officials also reported that 371 patients are hospitalized, 129 are in the intensive care unit and 60 are on ventilators. There are 12% of staffed beds available and 65% of ventilators available.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Nov. 8: Officials report 88 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 67,627 total COVID-19 cases and 1,285 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Sunday, an increase of 88 new cases. No new deaths were reported today. Twelve deaths that were reported between Aug. 9 - Oct. 23 were added to the countyโs death toll, according to health officials. A total of 174 backlogged cases will also be added to the countyโs total case count Sunday, according to health officials. City officials also reported that 274 patients are hospitalized, 116 are in the intensive care unit and 54 are on ventilators.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Nov. 7: Officials report 238 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 67,365 total COVID-19 cases and 1,273 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Saturday, an increase of 238 new cases. No new deaths were reported today. The 7-day moving average of cases, as of Friday, is 218. City officials also reported that 261 patients are hospitalized, 107 are in the intensive care unit and 39 are on ventilators. There are 12% of staffed beds available and 68% of ventilators available.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Nov. 1: Officials report 191 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 66,064 total COVID-19 cases and 1,260 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Sunday, an increase of 191 new cases. No new deaths were reported today; however, nine deaths reported from July 4- October 11, 2020, were added to the cityโs total death count. City officials also reported that 227 patients are hospitalized, 94 are in the intensive care unit and 59 are on ventilators. 17% of hospital beds are available and 67% of ventilators are available.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Oct. 31: Officials report 273 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
All rights reserved.) SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 65,873 total COVID-19 cases and 1,251 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Saturday, an increase of 273 new cases. No new deaths were reported today. The 7-day moving average of cases is 191, as of Friday. City officials also reported that 227 patients are hospitalized, 88 are in the intensive care unit and 58 are on ventilators.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Oct. 25: Officials report 140 new COVID-19 cases, no new virus-related deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 64,616 total COVID-19 cases and 1,247 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Sunday, an increase of 140 new cases. No new deaths were reported today; however, 15 deaths that occurred between July 26- October 7, 2020 were added to the total. As of Friday, the 7-day moving average of cases is 177. City officials also reported that 237 patients are hospitalized, 87 are in the intensive care unit and 42 are on ventilators. There are 17% of staffed beds available and 70% of ventilators available.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Oct. 24: Officials report 215 new COVID-19 cases, no new virus-related deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 64,476 total COVID-19 cases and 1,232 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Saturday, an increase of 215 new cases. No new deaths were reported today. As of Friday, the 7-day moving average of cases is 177. City officials also reported that 220 patients are hospitalized, 85 are in the intensive care unit and 41 are on ventilators. There are 14% of staffed beds available and 72% of ventilators available.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Oct. 11: Officials report 90 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 59,684 total COVID-19 cases and 1,201 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Sunday, an increase of 90 new cases. No new deaths were reported today; however, a backlog of 27 deaths ranging from June 21- September 24, 2020 were added to the total count. The 7-day moving average of cases, as of Friday, is 156. City officials also reported that 192 patients are hospitalized, 81 are in the intensive care unit and 39 are on ventilators. There are 16% of staffed beds available and 74% of ventilators available.
Coronavirus update San Antonio, Oct. 10: Officials report 80 new COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 59,594 total COVID-19 cases and 1,174 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Saturday, an increase of 80 new cases. Three new deaths were reported today. The 7-day moving average of cases, as of Friday, is 156. City officials also reported that 190 patients are hospitalized, 83 are in the intensive care unit and 38 are on ventilators. There are 17% of staffed beds available and 72% of ventilators available.
Asymptomatic patients with positive rapid COVID-19 tests to be counted in case tally
Speaking at the Thursday nightly briefing, Metro Health Chief of Epidemiology Rita Espinoza said the asymptomatic cases will now also be listed as โprobableโ cases in the cityโs COVID-19 statistics. Without one, though, they werenโt recorded as a case, and no contact tracing efforts were conducted. The group recommended all antigen positive lab reports be counted as โprobableโ cases and investigated the same. A positive result from one of these tests is enough to consider a case โconfirmed,โ under state definitions, compared to the โprobableโ label that positive antigen test results get. โThat means that you can count on a positive test being positive,โ Gude said.
San Antonio, Bexar County sees new daily low of COVID-19 cases
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District announced 57,145 total COVID-19 cases and 1,130 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Sunday, an increase of 56 new cases. In the overall case total, Metro Health officials have also included a backlog of 2,794 cases. Three new deaths were reported today and 53 additional deaths that were backlogged are included in the total, ranging from June 29 - September 10, 2020. Health officials said there are currently 221 patients are hospitalized. There are 16% of staffed beds available and 73% of ventilators available.
San Antonio, Bexar County reports 100 new COVID-19 cases, one new virus-related death
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District announced 54,295 total COVID-19 cases and 1,074 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Saturday, an increase of 100 new cases. The 7-day moving average of cases is 162, as of Friday. City officials also reported a slight uptick in hospitalization numbers. Of those, 85 are in the intensive care unit and 30 are on ventilators. There are 15% of staffed beds available and 73% of ventilators available.
142 new COVID-19 cases, 24 deaths reported for San Antonio, Bexar County
SAN ANTONIO โ COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are still declining in San Antonio and Bexar County, numbers indicate. San Antonio Metropolitan Health District officials reported 49,915 total COVID-19 cases and 1,016 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Saturday, an increase of 142 new cases. One new death was reported Sunday in addition to 23 deaths ranging from June 25 - August 27, according to Metro Health officials. A total of 193 deaths are from congregate settings. According to numbers on the cityโs website, 246 patients are hospitalized, 108 are in the intensive care unit and 54 are on ventilators.
Bexar County, San Antonio reports 124 new COVID-19 cases, one death
SAN ANTONIO โ COVID-19 related hospitalizations are still trending downward in San Antonio and Bexar County, numbers indicate. San Antonio Metropolitan Health District officials reported 48,198 total COVID-19 cases and 992 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Saturday, an increase of 124 new cases. The 7-day moving average of cases is 143. According to numbers on the cityโs website, 260 patients are hospitalized, 110 are in the intensive care unit and 55 are on ventilators. There are 15% of staffed beds available and 68% of ventilators available.
Bexar County, San Antonio reports 131 new COVID-19 cases, 22 deaths
SAN ANTONIO COVID-19 related hospitalizations are continuing on a downward trend in San Antonio, according to numbers provided by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. Health officials announced 47,315 total COVID-19 cases and 893 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Saturday, an increase of 131 new cases. The 7-day moving average of cases is 157. According to COVID-19 numbers posted on the citys website, a total of 317 patients are hospitalized, 145 are in the intensive care unit and 81 are on ventilators. There are 14% of staffed beds available and 67% of ventilators available.
Metro Health will now report current cases, deaths and backlogged cases separately
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District will differentiate between current cases of COVID-19 and recent virus-related deaths from cases and deaths older than 14 days, city leaders said in a press release Friday. Starting Sunday, the daily reported data will only include current new cases and deaths. All cases and deaths, including those recently added but older than 14 days, will be included in the data on a weekly basis. The change in reporting is based on the following new guidance to local health departments from the Texas Department of State Health Services:So that state and local COVID-19 data will most accurately reflect the current situation in your community, we encourage you to report cases arising from older testing as backlogged cases, and more recent cases as new. This will help us ensure that estimates of active and recovered patients are as accurate as possible.
Classroom Confessionals: โVirtual-learning-only forces many parents to pick between staying home to teach or staying employed'
SAN ANTONIO โ As the 2020-2021 school year gets closer, the anxiety level appears to be growing for many parents, students and teachers. If NEISD can offer child care with virtual education for their teachersโ children, why canโt all districts, or let teachers teach from home? However, cases are still high, take into consideration teachers, kids, cafeteria and maintenance / janitorial crews who actually are cleaning up after everyone. AnonymousAs an educator, the best place for all students, teachers, administrators, librarians, cafeteria personnel, paraprofessionals, custodians, bus drivers and others would be avoiding crowds inside at this time! AnnieVirtual-learning-only forces many parents to pick between staying home to teach or staying employed.
COVID-19 related hospitalizations still declining in Bexar County, San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO COVID-19 related hospitalizations are still declining, according to numbers provided by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and city officials. On Saturday, Bexar Countys COVID-19 case load increased as the city announced 232 additional COVID-19 cases. The additional cases bring Bexar Countys cumulative total to 42,531 cases since the start of the pandemic. Officials reported 743 Bexar County residents are hospitalized due to COVID-19, down from 770 on Friday. Numbers released by city officials indicate that 15% of staffed hospital beds and 52% of ventilators are available in Bexar County.
Metro Health responds to criticism that it wasnt prepared to handle COVID-19
SAN ANTONIO Public health departments across the nation have been criticized in some form over its response to the coronavirus pandemic, including the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. There have been concerns over whether Metro Health hired enough case investigators and contact tracers at the beginning of the pandemic to track the spread of COVID-19 in Bexar County. Health officials work to trace COVID-19 cases in San AntonioSo, at the beginning of this second spike, it was taking us about seven days to complete the case investigation process. Bridger agrees that some of the criticism is well deserved.And we have modified our response in order to better, you know, take that criticism into account and make us better, Bridger said. WATCH: Part 2 of Bridgers interviewRELATED: Metro Health to issue amended health directive to reopening schools
Metro Health to issue amended health directive to reopening schools
SAN ANTONIO The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District will issue an amended health directive next week that will include recommendations to guide school districts on safe restarting of face-to-face instruction. Greg Abbott and other top GOP state leaders released a statement saying that local health authorities cant preemptively close schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In a news release, city officials said they disagreed with the analysis of state officials regarding the Texas Health and Safety Code, which local officials said grants the local health authority powers beyond quarantine, namely powers to institute preventative measures. The goal of an amended health directive is to relieve the confusion and uncertainty for families, teachers and school administrators and to provide recommendations and health indicators for schools to consider as they return to in-person instruction, the news release said. Woo will gather input from other health experts and school stakeholders based upon health indicators for the amended health directive.
Texas attorney general: Local health authorities canโt close schools
AUSTIN, Texas โ Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday said local health authorities may not issue sweeping orders closing schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Paxton said the role of local health authorities is to address specific, actual outbreaks of disease and that public and private school officials are the appropriate people to decide whether, when and how to open school. โWhile local health authorities may possess some authority to close schools in limited circumstances, they may not issue blanket orders closing all schools on a purely preventative basis. The health directive is consistent with Governor Abbottโs March order that mandated virtual learning while the virus was just beginning to spread in Texas. All schools complied with the Governorโs March order without raising any Constitutional concerns.
Teachers, students part of task force to advise Metro Health on reopening schools
San Antonio Students may be off of Bexar County campuses until after Labor Day, but at least some on a task force meant to advise the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District are still wary. The task force, which a Metro Health spokeswoman describes as more of an ad-hoc group of advisors, consists of district officials, health experts, teachers, students and other community members. It has met once so far, on Thursday, the day before Metro Health Medical Director Dr. Junda Woo issued a health directive for all K-12 schools, public or private, in Bexar County. The new directive Woo issued forbids schools from re-opening for in-person instruction until at least after Labor Day on Sep. 7. But I think they can listen even harder.The list of task force members, as provided by the city, includes the following:
San Antonio health department: No face-to-face classes, extra-curricular activities until after Sept. 7
SAN ANTONIO School districts in San Antonio cannot reopen schools for on-campus face-to-face instruction until after Sept. 7, according to a directive issued Friday by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. There will be no in-person extra-curricular activities, including athletics, until campuses have resumed on-campus instruction, the directive said. School districts have been ordered to come up with a written plan with safety and health protocols to resume on-campus instruction no later than Aug. 21. After that, school instruction can remain remote for an additional four weeks, if needed, with a board-approved waiver request to the agency. Several San Antonio school districts had already made the decision to start the year online, including San Antonio Independent School District, North East Independent School District and Northside Independent School District.
List: Cooling centers open in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO The City of San Antonio has extended the hours for several of its cooling center locations and has added openings for Sunday. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District said adults over 65 and children under four years of age fall under a high-risk category on days with high temperatures. According to San Antonio Metro Health, cooling centers will observe COVID-19 precautions, including face coverings, screenings, sanitation and social distancing guidelines. The following is a list of the City of San Antonios Cooling Centers extended Hours and locations from July 13 17, 2020:Locations open today:Carver Library, 3350 Commerce Street East, open from 12:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.Collins Garden Library, 200 Park Boulevard North, open from 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Mission Library, 3134 Roosevelt, open from 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Carver Library, 3350 Commerce Street East, open from 12:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.Collins Garden Library, 200 Park Boulevard North, open from 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Mission Library, 3134 Roosevelt, open from 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Related: Cooling centers open across San Antonio
Metro Health issues heat advisory for San Antonio over next week
SAN ANTONIO The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District issued a heat advisory due to forecasted high temperatures at or above 100 degrees starting later this week and into next week. Latest hourly, daily forecast, alertsMetro Health is reminding people not to leave children or pets alone in vehicles. If you see a child locked in a hot car youre advised to write down the license plate number and car description and call police immediately. If you see a pet in a hot car call Animal Care Services at 311. 12 hot spots to cool down with a raspa, paleta, fruit cup around SA this summerSunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are likely health effects resulting from this heat level and heat stroke is likely with prolonged exposure.
If you receive a call from a 210-207 number, answer it! Metro Health may be calling you for contact tracing.
SAN ANTONIO Its as simple as picking up the phone thats all it takes according to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District when it comes to contact tracing COVID-19. Contact tracing is how Metro Health finds out where the virus is spreading, whos infected and how many have recovered. Metro Health needs your help to track the virus, as cases continue to spread across the city. Metro Health has also contracted a third party calling service to help reach more residents. RELATED: What is contact tracing and why isnt BCSO releasing results of it in the jail?
Outgoing Metro Health director says her decision to resign wasnt surprising to her close coworkers
SAN ANTONIO The outgoing director of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, Dawn Emerick, said although her resignation from her position may have been surprising to city leaders, that wasnt the case for her close coworkers. In her resignation letter, Emerick said she hoped her position would be filled with a person of color. Bridger had previously served as Metro Health director between March 2017 and July 2019, when she was appointed as an assistant city manager. Dawn Emerick, EdD (@DawnEmerickEdD) June 27, 2020She thanked San Antonio residents for their support and said overall, it was a privilege for her to be the director of Metro Health for the city. Dawn Emerick, EdD (@DawnEmerickEdD) June 27, 2020Read also:Assistant City Manager Colleen Bridger agrees to be interim Metro Health director after previous directors resignationMetro Health director resigns as COVID-19 cases surge in San AntonioMetro Health Director wants person of color to replace her, per resignation letter