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 ...
Friday, May 8
6:37 p.m. — Mayor reports 51% recovery rate and 1,835 total cases
Mayor Ron Nirenberg announced 1,835 total confirmed cases, up 30 from yesterday. Of the new cases, two are related to the Bexar County jail. Four of the cases are from congregate settings.
There have been two new deaths, bringing the total to 56.
Nirenberg reported the highest recovery percentage to date; 51% of cases have recovered (927 people). There are 852 people who still have the virus.
In local hospitals, there are 63 positive cases and 19 under investigation. There are 33 people in intensive care, and 21 people on ventilators.
In the jail, a total of 295 inmates and 51 staff members have tested positive.
County Judge Nelson Wolff said the jail has seen 49 recoveries, now more people than are currently in the infirmary. Wolff also said the jail has adequate equipment.
6:13 p.m. — Watch today's daily briefing
1:45 p.m. — New free testing sites in San Antonio
San Antonio's Metro Health Department has two new walk-up COVID-19 testing sites — one at Las Palmas Library and one at Woodlawn Lake Park. Both have no cost and require no appointment.
There is a daily cap of 150 people per site. Jennifer Herriott, Metro Health's assistant director of community health, says the response has been overwhelming, with about 300 people showing up at the Las Palmas site Thursday. Some people were turned away and asked to come back Friday instead.
“What we are doing today (Friday) is if people arrive and realize they're going to have to wait for quite a while — we are helping set them up with appointments at Freeman (Coliseum),” Herriott said. “So, we're helping them do that if they feel like they can't wait.”
She says the sites are intended to serve communities of color, which have higher populations of uninsured and low-income people. Positive test results are returned in 24 to 48 hours.
10 a.m. — Surrounding counties update
Cases in Comal County remains at 65 as of Friday. There are 48 patients who have completely recovered and there have been six deaths have been reported. There are 11 active cases in the county.
Atascosa County has 22 confirmed cases, with 13 recoveries and one death related to the virus.
The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed 90 cases in Guadalupe County, 34 in Wilson County and 21 in Medina County.
There 18 COVID-19 cases in Kendall County. Both Uvalde and Bandera Counties report six cases each.
Thursday, May 7
6:37 p.m. — City Council outlines allocation of federal emergency aid
Today, San Antonio reported 1,805 total confirmed cases, up 44 from yesterday. Of the new cases, two are from the Bexar County jail (one inmate and one staff member).
There is one new death, bringing the total to 54. The total number of recoveries is 867, up 33 from yesterday.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg reported good numbers in local hospitals:
- 63 positive cases
- 20 people under investigation
- 38 people in ICUs
- 21 people on ventilators
Nirenberg also said hospital capacity is also good, with 78% of ventilators and 32% of staffed beds available.
Today, City Council met to discuss the federal coronavirus relief fund, $270 million emergency assistance. Nirenberg said San Antonio has outlined a strategy that will prioritize keeping people in their homes, as well as training and educating workers.
County Judge Nelson Wolff said the council voted today and specifically allocated $79 million of the emergency fund. Of that $79 million, half will go to workforce training, 20% will go to household stabilization support ($15.8 million), 10% will go to fixing the digital divide for community members ($7.9 million), and another 10% will go to business support.
Wolff also mentioned some money would be allocated to modifications for facilities (6.9%) and elections (2.4%).
6:13 p.m. — Watch today's daily briefing
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines
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