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 ...
Wednesday, May 13
6:41 p.m. — Two more pop-up testing sites open
Mayor Ron Nirenberg reported 1,972 total cases in Bexar County, up 30 from yesterday. of those 18 are from the community, three are from the jail and four are from congregate settings. Twelve additional cases are under investigation.
There has been one new death, bringing the total to 58.
Of the total cases, 1,050 people have recovered (53%), and 868 are still ill (44%).
Currently, there are 67 positive cases in local hospitals, 14 cases under investigation, 36 people in intensive care and 27 people on ventilators.
Nirenberg said 547 of the total cases are from congregate settings — including the Bexar County jail and nursing homes. He added that community spread has decreased by a small amount in the past few weeks.
Nirenberg said in the next two weeks, San Antonio Fire Department will test all of the residents of 65 nursing homes. The City San Antonio began universal testing several weeks ago, but earlier this week, Governor Greg Abbott ordered universal testing throughout the state.
Two more pop-up testing sites will be open this week, one at Southside Lions and one at Claude Black Community Center. Neither spot requires an appointment. Hours for walk-up testing are now 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
County Judge Nelson Wolff said the jail has been faring well, with only six inmates in the infirmary and none in local hospitals.
Wolff and other county judges signed a letter to the governor about how the state is spending relief from the CARES Act. Wolff said the counties the judges represent — 11 of the 12 largest counties in the state — have 68.9% of positive cases but are only receiving 28.6% of the state’s nearly $11 billion.
5:45 p.m. — Watch today's daily briefing
5 p.m. — Governor announces teams to disinfect nursing homes
Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas National Guard has activated teams to disinfect nursing homes in order to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The teams consist of Guardsmen from Joint Task Force 176. Each team is equipped with advanced personal protective equipment, ionized sprayers and vital oxide.
Facilities in Amarillo and Abilene will be the focus of the disinfection efforts at this time.
2 p.m. — Thunderbirds to salute Texas COVID-19 responders
Due to weather, the Texas flyover start times have been delayed. The flyover for San Antonio is now 2:20 p.m. (CDT) and will last approximately 30 minutes. Austin start time is 3:40 p.m. and will last approximately 25 minutes.
A group of F-16 fighter jets will make their way through the San Antonio sky this afternoon, to salute local COVID-19 responders — like medical providers and essential workers — as part of the America Strong campaign.
The Air Force Thunderbirds normally have a rigorous touring schedule that caters to stadiums and air shows. But as social distancing requirements were put in place around the country, their plans changed.
The aerial demonstration team crafted today's route around major San Antonio hospitals.
A map of the Thunderbirds’ route and schedule is available at AFThunderbirds.com.
Tuesday, May 12
6:45 p.m. — Total number of recoveries passes 1,000
Mayor Ron Nirenberg reported that the total number of cases in Bexar County is now 1,942, up 22 from yesterday. Of the new cases, two are from the community, three are from the county jail, and six are from congregate settings. Eleven cases are pending determination.
The total number of recoveries is now 1,028, which is 53% of the total positive cases.
Forty-four percent of cases are still being treated. There are no new deaths today, and the total stands at 57.
In local hospitals, there are
- 66 positive cases
- 20 cases under investigation
- 43 people in intensive care
- 27 people on ventilators
San Antonio has begun doing universal screening in all longterm care facilities. Fifteen facilities have been tested so far. River City Care Center has been operating as a cohort facility for residents who have tested positive. There are currently 19 residents isolated there.
Nirenberg, County Judge Nelson Wolff and City Attorney Andy Segovia responded to a letter from Attorney General Ken Paxton. The letter — released earlier today — criticizes San Antonio and Bexar County’s approach to reopening the city, calling it “unlawful” and in conflict with the governor’s executive order.
Nirenberg, Wolff and Segovia each emphasized that San Antonio’s order — in its most recent form and its earlier forms — has been consistent with the governor’s order. Read more about their response here.
5:50 p.m. — Watch today's daily briefing
4:10 p.m. — New outbreaks in multiple nursing homes
Four San Antonio nursing homes are experiencing new outbreaks of COVID-19. San Antonio Metro Health announced the four facilities have between five and 17 cases between staff members and residents.
The four nursing homes are Advanced Rehab Live Oak, Rio at Mission Trails, Pecan Valley Nursing Home and Legend Oaks West. Michelle Vigil, metro health spokeswoman, said residents who have tested positive are isolated in separate wings or have been moved to a single facility, River City Care Center.
“So the goal is the second someone is identified as a positive patient is to immediately separate them from everybody as quickly as possible; same thing for employees if an employee is found to be positive they are immediately removed to avoid further contamination within the facility," she said.
Southeast Nursing and Buena Vida Nursing are considered closed cases as they have had no new cases in 14 days according to Metro Health. Metro Health said there are three additional nursing facilities being investigated for outbreaks.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines
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