Tag Archives: Anita Kurian

Health

More than 75% of eligible Bexar County residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, marking major milestone

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SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio and Bexar County officials are celebrating what they called a major milestone in the effort to increase COVID-19 vaccinations.

As of Thursday, Bexar County reported that 1,263,881 residents 12 and older are now fully vaccinated, amounting to more than 75%. More than 90% have received at least one dose, amounting to 1,516,675 as of Thursday.

While San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg was pleased with the progress, he noted an important caveat in those numbers.

“Please remember that children younger than 12 are still not eligible for vaccination and that means we still have a considerable ways to go for our community to be fully vaccinated,” Nirenberg said.

Nirenberg reported two new COVID-19 deaths in Bexar County, totaling 4,651 since the pandemic began.

There were also 249 new COVID-19 cases, with a 7-day rolling average of 328.

There are 393 patients in area hospitals (roughly 70% unvaccinated), with 148 in the ICU and 75 on ventilators.

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Booster COVID-19 vaccines are being administered at the Alamodome and other Metro Health administration locations. Those who would like to get a booster shot are asked to bring their vaccine cards with them. While an appointment isn’t required, you can still make one by visiting the city’s COVID-19 website. Eligibility will be verified using the state registry.

The booster shots are only for those who are eligible under CDC guidelines and have received the Pfizer vaccine. Those who received Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccines will be turned away at this time. Click here to learn who is eligible for a booster.

The Alamodome site is open from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

Officials are also encouraging people to get their flu shots. Many retail pharmacies are offering COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines for those who can’t make it to the city or county sites. Check with your local pharmacy for vaccine availability.

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Watch the entire briefing in the video player above to hear more from city and county leaders.

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Metro Health director reports 18 new COVID-19 deaths in Bexar County

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Today’s Bexar County COVID-19 statistics

SAN ANTONIO – Eighteen new COVID-19 deaths were reported during Thursday’s COVID-19 briefing, bringing the total to 4,426 in the Bexar County area, according to Claude Jacob, Metro Health director.

Jacob reported 417 new cases and a new 7-day rolling average of 554 cases.

There are 659 COVID-19 patients in area hospitals, 81% of which are unvaccinated, Jacob said. He said there are 21 pediatric patients with COVID-19 in local hospitals.

See more of today’s COVID-19 statistics here.

COVID-19 vaccinations

Booster COVID-19 vaccines are being administered at the Alamodome and other Metro Health administration locations. Those who would like to get a booster shot are asked to bring their vaccine cards with them. While an appointment isn’t required, you can still make one by visiting the city’s COVID-19 website. Eligibility will be verified using the state registry.

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The booster shots are only for those who are eligible under CDC guidelines and have received the Pfizer vaccine. Those who received Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccines will be turned away at this time. Click here to learn about who is eligible for a booster.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said the Wonderland of the Americas site has administered about 5,000 vaccinations since it reopened.

Jacob says Metro Health has given out 300 H-E-B gift cards as part of its vaccine incentive program. Click here for more information.

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Many retail pharmacies are also offering booster vaccines for those who can’t make it to the city or county sites. Check with your local pharmacy for vaccine availability.

Watch the entire briefing in the video player above to hear more from city and county leaders.

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Copyright 2021 by KSAT – All rights reserved.

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Health

Bexar County COVID-19 positivity rate down to 4.9% this week, officials say

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COVID-19 positivity rate declines

SAN ANTONIO – The COVID-19 positivity rate in Bexar County has decreased to 4.9% this week, down from 7.1% the previous week, according to San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg.

The mayor says the number of COVID-19 cases being reported are on a 100% downward trajectory. However, the risk level of our area remains “moderate” but is improving, Nirenberg said.

Metro Health Director Claude Jacob said the city is cautiously optimistic after seeing a steady decline in the positivity rate. However, leaders will be paying close attention during the holidays, as more people tend to gather indoors during cooler temperatures.

“We still have a long way to go,” said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff during Tuesday’s briefing.

“It’s not over yet, but we’re going in the right direction,” he continued.

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Hospitalizations in Bexar County

There were 73 new hospital admission in the last 24 hours, and 83% of patients in area hospitals are unvaccinated.

Twenty-two COVID-19 patients in local hospitals are children, Nirenberg said.

See today’s COVID-19 numbers and what to know about the latest rise in San Antonio and surrounding areas here.

Monoclonal antibody treatment

Wolff says there has been a tremendous demand for monoclonal antibody treatment compared to other surges. He said each infusion costs more than $2,000, while a vaccine only costs $20.

Watch the entire briefing in the video player above to hear more from city and county leaders.

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Health

Bexar County leaders urge community to stay vigilant of COVID-19 spread over Labor Day weekend

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Labor Day weekend

SAN ANTONIO – Ahead of Labor Day weekend, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg on Thursday urged residents to remain vigilant and take precautions to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

“Remember again that the choices that you make over this holiday weekend will determine how much longer this surge of COVID-19 lasts,” Nirenberg said. “So please do your part to help us contain this virus.”

Nirenberg recommended that families have individually packaged meals and snacks at gatherings to reduce the chances of infection.

“Regardless of your vaccination status, mask up around others, wearing a mask is still the easiest thing to do for anyone to slow the spread fo this virus,” Nirenberg said.

Officials said no curfew will be imposed over the holiday weekend.

See today’s COVID-19 numbers and what to know about the latest rise in San Antonio and surrounding areas here.

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Hospital admissions are still high

Though overall hospitalizations have decreased, Nirenberg said there were still 195 new COVID-19 hospital admissions over the past 24 hours. Nirenberg said admissions have been “staying near those record numbers each day.”

Roughly 85% of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, Nirenberg said.

Part of the decrease in hospitalizations is due to the increased use of monoclonal antibody treatments like Regeneron, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said.

“Until the incoming patients start really dramatically going down, I think we still have a problem,” Wolff said.

Hospitals have also tried to bring certain medical services to patients at their home to cut down on admissions.

Flu season

Flu season is right around the corner, kicking off on Oct. 1. With COVID-19 cases still surging, officials recommended families get their flu shots as soon as possible to reduce their chances of getting sick.

“Don’t wait for a high number of (flu) cases in the community. The best time to get vaccinated is before the cases come,” said Dr. Anita Kurian, assistant director of Metro Health.

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Kurian said the city will begin receiving shipments of the flu vaccine toward the end of August and begin administering it in September. Other medical providers may have already started offering the flu shot, Kurian said.

If flu cases rise, experts worry about a potential “triple threat” amid the pandemic with COVID-19, the flu, and RSV.

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