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Health

Metro Health opening three new COVID-19 testing sites amid surging demand across San Antonio

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SAN ANTONIO – The City of San Antonio will be adding three new COVID-19 testing sites through a partnership with Community Labs to address testing capacity and wait times that some have said lasted hours.

Wednesday’s COVID-19 numbers

The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District said the omicron variant had led to a three-fold increase in daily cases of COVID-19.

Metro Health’s COVID-19 dashboard showed an increase of 2,757 new cases, with a 7-day moving average of 2,875. There were also seven new deaths reported Wednesday, bringing the total to nine deaths over the past seven days.

There are 569 COVID patients in local hospitals, with 134 in ICU and 48 on ventilators. Metro Health’s dashboard shows there are 11% of staffed beds available and 65% of ventilators available.

See more of today’s COVID-19 statistics and city resources for the public here.

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Demand for testing surges across Bexar County

The new testing sites come as demand surges at no-cost and private sites throughout Bexar County.

Dr. David Gude, chief operating officer of Texas MedClinic, which also offers COVID testing, estimates their San Antonio locations handle between 1,200 and 1,500 tests per day. And some spots are reaching their capacity for other patients, too.

“The testing that we’re doing along with the sick, you know, the ill people and injured people that we’re seeing — we are seeing as many as we possibly can, and we’re having at some point in the day to say ‘We can’t add anymore. I’m sorry,’” Gude said.

Gude said the network of Texas MedClinics is also dealing with a 15% decrease in staff members due to their own COVID-19 issues.

ALSO ON KSAT.COM: Where to get a COVID-19 vaccine in San Antonio

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Metro Health said it’s new no-cost testing sites will be stationed at the Alamo Colleges District Support Operations Building, Palo Alto College and St. Philip’s College.

“Because of the increased demand for people seeking to get a COVID-19 test, we know we need to do more – and we are,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a written statement included in a Metro Health news release.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said new omicron cases are driving up hospitalizations in our area and is urging the community to do what it can to ease the stress on the local hospitals.

“This burden on hospitals is affecting doctors, nurses, and other key medical staff, who are also getting sick and are having to miss work, unable to care for patients in our hospitals,” Wolff said in a written statement. “If you haven’t already, get vaccinated.”

New testing sites coming as early as Thursday

Metro Health says no appointment is necessary for the new sites, and testing will be done for walk-ups only. Results are expected to be provided to patients within 24 hours, Metro Health added.

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The following are the new Community Labs locations and times of operation

  • Alamo Colleges District Support Operations Building, 2222 N. Alamo St. 78215

Opens Thursday, January 6 at 8 a.m.

Hours of operation Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Palo Alto College Building 20, 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. 78224

Opens Friday, January 7 at 8 a.m.

Building 20 – Performing Arts Center

Hours of operation Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • St. Philip’s College, 1801 Martin Luther King Dr. San Antonio, TX 78203

Opens Monday, January 10 at 8 a.m.

Hours of operation Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Metro Health says three more sites will be announced as the locations are confirmed, and it will notify the public when they are expected to open.

“We encourage anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 to get tested, so they don’t spread the virus to others if they are positive. We hope these additional testing sites will help meet and alleviate current demand,” said Metro Heath Director Claude A. Jacob in a written statement. “Remember that we have the tools we need to contain this virus. Please mask up, get vaccinated and get your booster shot if you’re eligible. Please do your part to protect San Antonio by staying home if you are sick.”

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KSAT Q&A with Mayor Ron Nirenberg

Nirenberg joined anchors Steve Spriester and Myra Arthur during Wednesday’s KSAT Q&A to discuss testing capacity in the city. He said officials are working to secure more rapid tests.

“(Rapid tests) have some degree of inaccuracy. They’re not as good as the PCR tests in terms of the accuracy of the data. But it does give you an answer quickly,” Nirenberg said during the KSAT Q&A.

Nirenberg told Spriester and Arthur that the omicron has taken over many cities in Texas and the nation at the same time, leading to more significant numbers at hospital systems despite some people reporting milder symptoms with the new variant. The mayor said that, while the city was prepared for another surge, the numbers of those infected are growing faster than anticipated.

“The rise in the number of cases, the incredible jump of 11,000 cases in three days to start the new year here is actually how fast this thing has risen. Remember, two weeks ago here in the city, we were at a 2% positivity rate. That’s jumped to 27% in two weeks,” Nirenberg said during the KSAT Q&A.

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Watch the full interview with Nirenberg below

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg discussed the demand for COVID-19 testing and how this COVID surge could impact the city on Wednesday’s KSAT Q&A..

City health officials also offer the following testing guidelines:

  • Consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household.

  • A positive self-test result means that you have an infection and should avoid indoor gatherings to reduce the risk of spreading disease to someone else.

  • A negative self-test result means that you may not have an infection. Repeating the test with at least 24 hours between tests will increase the confidence that you are not infected.

  • Ask your healthcare provider if you need help interpreting your test results.

Click here to access more information about other city no-cost testing sites.

Copyright 2022 by KSAT – All rights reserved.

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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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Health

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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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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Health

Metro Health medical director paints grim picture amid COVID-19 hospitalization surge in Bexar County

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SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County and San Antonio leaders are seeing a surge in hospitalizations and more people getting tested amid an increase of COVID-19 cases in our area and across the state.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said during Tuesday night’s COVID-19 briefing that there were 209 people admitted to the hospital within the last 24 hours, 24 of which were pediatric cases.

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

Nirenberg said he learned Monday that the state had asked for refrigerated trucks weeks ago to hold bodies of people who have succumed to COVID-19. He said it was indicative of what the state expects, given the recent court battles across the state over mask mandates and vaccine hesitancy.

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The mayor continued to push common-sense COVID-19 precautions, like masks, social distancing, vaccines and other measures.

Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez says the Fusion Center is seeing an average of about 100 patients a day. He said the antibody treatment can hopefully prevent some people from having to go to the hospital.

San Antonio Metropolitan Health District Director Claude Jacob said the city’s facilities have plenty of capacity for testing, and the city is well-equipped to test more people, if needed.

Dr. Junda Woo, medical director of Metro Health, agreed and said the severity of the pandemic will depend on the measures people take now. She said depending on how vaccination rates trend, and if proper precautions are taken, it could mean the difference between months of more cases to come or years if conditions don’t improve.

“It’s still tight,” Woo said. “… Do we want to be in this for another few months? Or do we want to be in the pandemic for another year or more? A lot of it depends on how much we get vaccinated now and take these measures, like wearing a mask. If we get to where another variant goes free the way the Delta variant has with the number of unvaccinated people we have, this is not going to end anytime soon.”

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US

Judge delivers blow to Texas Gov. Abbott’s ban on mandates, allows San Antonio to require masks in schools

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San Antonio leaders scored a victory in court against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday in the ongoing fight over mask mandates.

A Bexar County Civil District Court Judge granted the city and Bexar County’s request for a temporary restraining order against Abbott’s executive order banning mask mandates in schools.

Effectively, the ruling allows Bexar County and San Antonio officials to issue a mask mandate in public schools and other guidance like quarantine protocol – for now. No details have been released yet on the guidance but officials will hold a live press conference at 6:10 p.m.

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The order was granted after an hour-long hearing by 57th Civil District Court with Judge Toni Arteaga.

Arteaga said an affidavit from Metro Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Junda Woo weighed heavily in her decision, as did the vulnerability of children who are returning to school amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

“I don’t do this lightly,” Arteaga said.

The temporary restraining order will remain in effect until another court hearing slated for Monday.

With the ruling, the city and county will “immediately issue an order requiring masks in public schools and requiring quarantine if an unvaccinated student is determined to be in close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual,” according to a news release. According to documents presented in court, they will also require face masks for employees of Bexar County and San Antonio and visitors to city and county facilities.

The ruling is the first court loss for Abbott’s ban on coronavirus mandates, which have been challenged across the state in recent days.

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On July 29, Abbott issued an executive order that further removed tools from local governments to enact policies that public health experts say would help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including mask requirements, capacity limits and vaccine mandates. Abbott said the executive order “emphasizes that the path forward relies on personal responsibility rather than government mandates.”

Abbott’s executive order relied on the Texas Disaster Act of 1975, which he said gives him the authority to bar governments from imposing any coronavirus-related mandates.

Attorney Bill Christian, who represents the City of San Antonio, argued that Abbott’s interpretation is an overreach.

“We do not believe that this statute is broad enough to encompass the decisions of cities and counties in their local jurisdictions drawing on their authority under the local public health acts,” Christian said.

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As the city and county’s chief medical officer, the attorneys for San Antonio and Bexar County argue that Woo has the authority to impose a mask mandate under the Texas Health and Safety Code.

Kimberly Gdula, an Assistant Texas Attorney General, said that a temporary restraining order would effectively undo state law.

“Not only are (they) asking this court to overthrow an executive order that carries the force and effect of state law, they are asking this court to throw out parts of the Texas Disaster Act that were passed by the Legislature,” Gdula said.

Gdula also said that a recent ruling from the Eighth Court of Appeals reaffirmed the governor’s power under the Texas Disaster Act.

“Ironically, the governor is taking a state law meant to facilitate local action during an emergency and using it to prohibit local response to the emergency that he himself declared,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a statement.

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The lawsuit comes amid a surge of COVID-19 infections that have pushed hospitals to the limit across the state and as schools return to campus for the fall semester.

In San Antonio, the 7-day average of new coronavirus cases is more than 1,200. Hospitalizations have also soared past 1,197. By comparison, an average of 140 patients were hospitalized with the virus in early July.

Several school districts have said they will openly defy Abbott’s ban on mask mandates and more court challenges are expected.

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Bexar County’s lawsuit comes a day after Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins filed a similar lawsuit challenging Abbott’s order.

Read the lawsuit:

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Health

Leaders report 210 new COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

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SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in the daily briefing Thursday night.

Nirenberg reported 203,191 total COVID-19 cases and 3,076 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 210 new cases as of Thursday. Three new deaths were reported today.

The 7-day rolling average is 179.

City officials also reported that 188 patients are hospitalized, 69 are in the intensive care unit and 39 are on ventilators. There are 12% of staffed beds available and 72% of ventilators available.

Nirenberg said 434,611 people have received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, and 243,317 are fully vaccinated in Bexar County.

The mayor said the city has not made a decision on whether traditional Easter camping at the park will be allowed this year.

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RELATED: Metro Health to make 30,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments available Thursday at 7 p.m.

The city will prioritize those who are most vulnerable. Starting Monday, anyone 80 or older is encouraged to visit the Alamodome in the afternoon Monday through Saturday to get a vaccine without an appointment.

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Health

Officials report 482 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths

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SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 195,719 total COVID-19 cases and 2,520 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 482 new cases as of Saturday. No new deaths were reported today.

The 7-day rolling average will be reported during Tuesday’s briefing since there wasn’t enough data this week due to lack of testing because of last week’s winter storm.

City officials also reported that 455 patients are hospitalized, 186 are in the intensive care unit and 109 are on ventilators.

There are 11% of staffed beds available and 64% of ventilators available.

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Business

615 COVID-19 patients hospitalized; SAWS says boil notice lifted for parts of San Antonio

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SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 and the winter weather in their briefing Saturday night.

For the first time all week, Mayor Nirenberg reported some data received on coronavirus cases in Bexar County. On Saturday, Nirenberg reported 107 coronavirus cases and seven deaths.

The mayor also reported that 615 patients are hospitalized, down 81 from Friday, 232 are in the intensive care unit and 141 are on ventilators.

There were 62 hospital admissions in the last 24 hours, Nirenberg said.

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RELATED: Here are the water, food distribution centers open in the San Antonio area

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CPS Energy

Nirenberg said CPS Energy has almost finished restoring power to the San Antonio region. All but 40 customers have had power restored, as of Saturday night.

Although, CPS Energy officials said a vehicle crashed into a utility pole overnight Friday, leaving 1,630 customers who live near Cupples Road and Menefee Boulevard without power, However, those customers have since had their power restored, Nirenberg reiterated.

The energy company is now working to slow the billing process for customers to remove the impact from this week’s winter weather conditions.

Customers are urged not to worry about their bills right now and service will not be disconnected if they are unable to pay at this time. For more on this, click here.

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San Antonio Water System

San Antonio Water System CEO Robert Puente announced Saturday during the briefing that parts of San Antonio are now released from the boil water notice. This means they no longer have to boil water prior to consuming it. For more on which areas are no longer under the boil notice, click here.

Customers that are still under the boil notice may not have a lack of water, but have a lack of pressure. Puente estimates most of these issues will be resolved by Monday.

Still 10%, or 9% of the San Antonio region doesn’t have water, according to SAWS, but crews are still working on restoration efforts.

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SAWS is providing customers water bill relief following the winter storms. For more information, click here.

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

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