COVID-19 (coronavirus) UPDATE THREAD:

Good evening, San Antonio.

We are now at 384 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county.

Of 384 returned positives:
- 102 are travel related
- 132 are close contact
- 117 are community transmitted
- 33 are under investigation

1/15

- 47 have fully recovered
- 80 are currently hospitalized, 43 in the ICU

Of note: 110 of the confirmed cases are residents under 40 years old. Please let that statistic serve as a reminder that this virus does not discriminate.

2/15

It is with immense sadness that we report the deaths of 2 more San Antonio residents. Both were men in their 80s with underlying health issues. One individual was a patient at Southeast Nursing & Rehabilitation...

3/15

We have now lost 11 residents to COVID-19. Our hearts are with their loved ones tonight. Please keep their families in your thoughts before you decide to travel to a public space.

4/15

VENTILATOR CAPACITY:

We have 650 available ventilators in Bexar County.

An additional 2,100 have been ordered, and that order will be fulfilled. As soon as we get a delivery date, we will report it.

We are currently using 34 ventilators in our fight against COVID-19.

5/15

CLOTH FACE COVERINGS:

The @CDCgov is recommending the use of cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain — like grocery stores and pharmacies.

Full guidelines can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

6/15

NEW TESTING PROCEDURES AT FREEMAN:

You no longer need a doctor’s recommendation to get tested for COVID-19 at the Freeman Coliseum drive-through facility.

You will still need to make an appointment...

7/15

... Based on the influx of calls, those who present with symptoms commonly found in COVID-19 — fever, dry cough, shortness of breath — will be prioritized.

Call 210-233-5970 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to complete the registration process for a test.

8/15

Our self-screening tool can help inform your decision on whether or not to seek testing, but please note it is only for information purposes and does not provide a medical diagnosis.

Access the tool here: https://covid19test.quacito.com/ 

9/15

If you're experiencing symptoms, we are still advising that you stay at home and call your primary care provider for the next best steps. Do not go to the emergency room. Your providers are equipped with the information they need to recommend COVID-19 testing...

10/15

... If you do not have a primary healthcare provider or insurance, Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHC) can assist you with the next best steps.

- CommuniCare: 210.233.7000
- CentroMed: 210.922.7000

@TexasMedClinic is now equipped to provide tests.

11/15

EMERGENCY ORDER ADDENDUM:

Earlier today, I issued an addendum to the standing emergency order.

Included: Long term care employees may only work at one facility. Golf courses are closed. City parks will be closed for Easter Weekend.

Full text: https://www.sanantonio.gov/Portals/0/Files/health/COVID19/Public%20Info/Fifth%20Declaration%20of%20Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Addendum.pdf?ver=2020-04-03-181435-523

12/15

COMMUNICATION PORTALS:

San Antonio COVID-19 website:
https://sanantonio.gov/Health/News/Alerts/CoronaVirus

American Sign Language:
http://sat.ahasalerts.com/ActiveAlerts.aspx?id=1334

COVID-19 Hotline: 210.207.5779

Text COSAGOV to 55000 for text alerts

Ready South Texas app:
https://readysouthtexasapp.com 

13/15

MENTAL HEALTH:

I want you to know there are always people willing to help.

@TexasHHSC has opened up a hotline: 833-986-1919

If you prefer text, you can chat with someone at the @CrisisTextLine by texting SHARE to 741741.

14/15

Let me be very clear: Your social life isn’t worth anybody’s actual life. Period.

We’re counting on you to do your part, San Antonio.

Stay home, save lives.

15/15