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.
Wednesday, May 27
6:30 p.m. — City surpasses 2,500th case
Mayor Ron Nirenberg reported 2,525 cases, up 45 from yesterday. Of the new cases, seven are from the community, 13 are from congregate settings, and the remaining 25 are pending categorization.
There has been one new death, brining the total to 70.
As Nirenberg has mentioned at the past few briefings, there remains a slight uptick in hospital numbers. Despite the increase in hospitalizations, the patients who are admitted are moderately ill. Nirenberg said that — along with other positive indicators like strong hospital capacity, high doubling rate, low positivity rate — demonstrates that the city is progressing.
There are 92 people in local hospitals: 39 in intensive care and 19 on ventilators.
Tomorrow is the first of three days of pop-up testing at Highlands High School and San Antonio College. Both sites will be open 10 a.m.–2 p.m. tomorrow through Saturday.
Today, the city passed out safety supply kits to over 5,000 small businesses, Nirenberg reported. He said the city is focused on a “safe and vigorous” reopening of the economy and that the kits will allow small businesses to help with that mission.
6:10 p.m. — Watch today's daily briefing
10:30 a.m. — Big Bend plans reopening next month
Big Bend National Park may begin a phased reopening as early as June 1.
Scenic driving, bicycling, day hiking and day float trips down the Rio Grande are among the initial activities being proposed.
According to a statement, the final decision to gradually reopen the park for day use will be guided recommendations from health and safety experts.
The 800,000-acre park in West Texas has been closed since April 3. About 463,000 people visited Big Bend last year.
Tuesday, May 26
6:30 p.m. — 31 new cases, no new deaths
Mayor Ron Nirenberg reported 2,480 confirmed cases, up 31 from yesterday. Three of the cases are from the community, three are from congregate settings and the remaining 25 are pending determination.
There are no new deaths, and the total stands at 69.
In local hospitals, there are 87 positive cases, 44 people in intensive care and 19 people on ventilators. 80% of ventilators are available, and 31% of staffed beds are available.
Nirenberg said the increase in hospitalizations is a warning indicator of the city’s progress. Though the gradual increase is a cause for concern, Nirenberg said, the other indicators are strong and suggest progress.
County Judge Nelson Wolff said Bexar County has the lowest number of cases and deaths of the five largest Texan counties (Bexar, Travis, Tarrant, Dallas, Harris).
Tomorrow, the city will distribute roughly 5,000 safety supply kits to small businesses at the Alamodome from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The kits include PPE for businesses with 25 or fewer employees. Businesses can still register on the city’s website.
New pop-up testing sites this week include San Antonio College on Main Avenue and Highlands High School on Elgin Avenue. Both will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Metro Health has launched a survey to better gauge the community climate. Director of Metro Health Dawn Emerick said the survey is part of Metro Health’s COVID-19 testing plan as a way to get more information from the community. The survey will be a three-month sample.
Nirenberg acknowledged that there will be a rise in cases as members of the community begin to engage more with one another but that the concern is whether the severity of cases increases.
“It does concern me that there is a level of activity that is unnecessary, so we want to remind folks, again, that this virus is out there.”
6:10 p.m. — Watch today's daily briefing
11:30 a.m. — Update on surrounding counties
Comal County confirmed one new case Tuesday, bringing the total 83. There are 64 people who have recovered from the virus and there have been six deaths reported.
Atascosa County confirmed 36 cases this week, with 26 recoveries and only one death related to the virus.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed 122 cases in Guadalupe County. There are 38 cases in Wilson County and 66 cases in Medina County.
There are 24 COVID-19 cases in Kendall County. Both Uvalde and Bandera Counties report six cases each.
11 a.m. — More walk-up testing sites available
COVID-19 walk-up testing sites are offered this week at Highlands High School and the San Antonio College Welcome Center.
The sites will be available from Thursday, May 28 to Saturday, May 30 during the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Testing is free and no appointment is necessary.
Free drive-thru testing sites are still available at Freeman Coliseum, the Texas MedClinic at Southwest Military Drive and the Walmart at 8923 West Military Drive.
Testing is by appointment. Visit covid19.SanAntonio.gov for more information.
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.