This Post is Archived: Find the newest information on COVID-19 in San Antonio at the links below.
Texas Public Radio is updating the latest information on COVID-19 in the San Antonio area, along with how local businesses are adjusting, how you can help those in need and what you can do to stay entertained at home. TPR is also providing live updates on the Rio Grande Valley.
Here's what we know ...
Monday, April 27
6:20 p.m. — New "Stay Home, Work Safe" orders to be issued
Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Judge Nelson Wolff announced they will meet with other elected leaders in the county on Tuesday to discuss Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to reopen some Texas retail stores.
After that meeting, new "Stay Home, Work Safe" orders will be issued for Bexar County and San Antonio.
Local leaders are prevented from enforcing civil penalties for actions that the governor has deemed legal for the state. Those actions could include not wearing masks or maintaining social distancing.
Still, Judge Wolff said, officials can encourage constituents to wear masks and that businesses have the right to not serve customers who aren't wearing masks.
Wolff also said there was a report of about 50 residents locked out of their units at the Olmos Club Apartments. He said local officials are working to address the issue and reiterated there is a moratorium period for evictions during the pandemic.
Officials also reported:
- 1,275 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the area
- 44 deaths related to COVID-19 in the area
6 p.m. — Watch today's daily briefing
2:30 p.m. — Gov. Abbott says many Texas businesses will be allowed to reopen May 1
Gov. Greg Abbott said he will allow his stay-at-home order to expire on April 30, meaning many retail stores in Texas will be allowed to reopen May 1.
Abbott also said he hopes additional businesses like salons, gyms and bars will be able to open around May 15.
Watch the full press conference here.
9:30 a.m. — Census reports slight increase in response
The Census 2020 response rate in Texas has crept up almost two percent in the last week.
48.1% of Texans have responded to the census. Over half of Bexar County residents have responded, 51.8%. That compares to 49% last week.
Invitations to respond to the Census were delivered last month, and 64 million households were sent a paper questionnaire. Reminder postcards are being sent this week.
The census can be filled out online at 2020census.gov, by phone or by mail.
Sunday, April 26
6:35 p.m. — Mayor Nirenberg, Judge Wolff adress forthocming comments from Gov. Abbott
Mayor Ron Nirenberg reported 1,254 confirmed cases — up from 1,231 yesterday. Of those cases, 531 have recovered, 34 more than reported last night. There are no new deaths, with the total at 43.
There are 680 people who still have COVID-19. Of those, 58 are hospitalized, and 33 are in intensive care.
County Judge Nelson Wolff said there have been a total of 59 cases in the Bexar County jail. Ten people have recovered.
Tomorrow at 2:30 p.m., Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to release more details about reopening the state.
"We are cautious about what we may hear tomorrow and hopeful in the sense that everything the governor has said up until now is that we will be guided by medical exerts first," Nirenberg said.
Nirenberg added that he hopes the state allows for some "local latittude," so that communities have room to adapt social distances measures if necessary. He said the city will keep an eye on the number of cases and will adjust accordingly.
6:13 p.m. — Watch Sunday's daily briefing
To read Sunday's entire COVID-19 brief, click here.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines
TPR was founded by and is supported by our community. If you value our commitment to the highest standards of responsible journalism and are able to do so, please consider making your gift of support today.