Bexar County Strong COVID-19 Response

Updated December 28th: Executive Order NW-19

  1. Actions & Updates
  2. Frequently Asked Questions
  3. Affected Bexar County Services
  4. Community Resources

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NEW: Executive Order NW-19 issued by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff

On Monday, December 28, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued Executive Order NW-19, effective as of Monday, December 28, 2020 and continuing until fourteen (14) days following the termination of the state-wide public health emergency as declared by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, unless extended, modified or terminated early by Bexar County Judge Nelson W. Wolff.

Click here to view the NW-19 executive order, issued Dec. 28, 2020
View Impact If Bexar County Falls Within “Areas with High Hospitalization” Under Governor’s Order GA-32

Orders and Declarations

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions Relating to Executive Order NW-10

What does Executive Order NW-10 require?

This order requires that all commercial entities in Bexar County providing goods or services directly to the public develop and implement a health and safety policy (“Health and Safety Policy”).  The Health and Safety Policy developed by commercial entities in Bexar County must require, at a minimum, that all employees or visitors wear face coverings when in an area or performing an activity which will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public where six feet of separation is not feasible.  NW-10 also requires that the Health and Safety Policy developed by a particular commercial entity be posted in a conspicuous location readily visible to the public.

Does the Health and Safety Policy have to be in a specific form?

No.  There is no required format so long as the policy is clear and it meets the minimum requirements contained in NW-10.  The County recognizes that not all commercial entities are alike and so the posting of this policy attempts to remain flexible.  The Health and Safety Policy required to be developed by NW-10 may be customized in consideration of each commercial entity’s particular business practices and customers so long as it meets the minimum requirements.  Some commercial entities may decide to require additional mitigating measures which exceed the requirements of NW-10 such as temperature checks or health screenings.

Why was this order issued?

NW-10 was issued because the transmission of COVID-19 remains a significant threat to the health and safety of the Bexar County Community and rates of infection are increasing at an alarming exponential rate.  Health experts agree that implementing protective health measures such as social distancing and face coverings help in reducing the rate of transmission of the virus.

FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

Which order should I follow?  Governor Abbott’s or the County Judge’s order?

The answer is both.  Judge Wolff’s order supplements Governor Abbott’s current executive orders.  The Bexar County order does not replace any order, direction or guideline put in place by Governor Abbott and the State of Texas.

I do not know how to write a policy.  Do you have a template I could use?

Bexar County has prepared a downloadable template which you may use.  Posting the template in a conspicuous location and implementing the facial covering requirement for your business is sufficient to meet the requirements of NW-10. Please keep in mind that you may still need to customize your Health and Safety Policy to include additional measures specific to your business.  Please remember to post your Health and Safety Policy in as prominent a location as possible, such as the front door or window.

What if I am a small business owner and cannot find any masks?

First, do not worry.  The goal of NW-10 is education, cooperation and compliance, with enforcement by issuing citations or assessing fines as a last resort.  To ensure compliance and avoid putting any additional stress on business owners, Bexar County offers assistance with obtaining masks.  Please visit www.bexar.org to sign up to receive a small supply of safety masks to issue to employees or customers should they not have a face covering readily available.   If you would like to purchase more, we have included a link to a list of vendors you can use.

If I own a restaurant, do my employees have to wear a mask?

The short answer is yes. At a minimum, the Health and Safety Policy developed as a result of NW-10 should require your employees to wear masks when working alongside other employees or providing services to the general public or if they are not able to maintain social distancing of 6 feet or more.  

I am a dentist.  Do I need to require patients to wear a mask?  

Yes. All employees and visitors should wear a mask when entering the office. However, patients receiving medical services may remove their mask when necessary during procedures so long as the health care provider takes appropriate safety precautions.  Please ensure that all employees and medical staff are wearing a mask and appropriate protective equipment when administering medical services.

FOR INDIVIDUALS

Are individuals still required to wear masks, and practice social distancing?

Individuals are required to wear masks and practice social distancing when they are in public.  Starting Monday, June 22, 2020, all commercial entities in Bexar County will require visitors to wear a mask in order to enter their business premises and receive services. 

Should I still practice social distancing while exercising outdoors?

Yes, keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from others while engaging in physical activities, even when outdoors, reduces the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

Do I need to wear a mask when I go to a restaurant?

Yes, a mask is required when entering a restaurant.  When you are sitting at the table and/or eating or drinking, you may remove your mask.  However, when getting up to visit the restroom or leaving the restaurant, you will be required to put your mask back on.

When will Executive Order NW-10 take effect?

NW-10 took effect as of 12:01 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.  Commercial entities in Bexar County are required to develop and implement their Health and Safety Policy as soon as possible, but will not be issued a fine for non-compliance before Monday, June 22, 2020.

Additional News


COVID-19 Voting By Mail Update

On May 27, 2020, the Texas Supreme Court determined that the lack of immunity alone is not a “disability” for purposes of voting by mail. However, the court also stated that a voter can take into consideration aspects of their own health and health history when determining whether in-person voting will cause a likelihood of injury due to a physical condition. 

To request a ballot by mail based on a disability, an eligible voter can check the box for disability on the request form and submit to the Bexar County Elections Department which will then provide a ballot by mail. If you would like an application to request a ballot by mail please visit, the Early Voting & Absentee Ballots page on the Elections website.

COVID-19 Information


A new Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was recently identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness. The 2019-nCoV outbreak began in December 2019, and Chinese health officials have reported thousands of 2019‑nCoV infections in China, including several that resulted in death. Several additional countries have identified cases of 2019-nCoV infection including the United States.

How is Bexar County Responding

Bexar County, together with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Facilities Maintenance Department, is working closely with the San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department and to coordinate precautionary measures within all County facilities.

Specific areas that experience high traffic will be aggressively sanitized and disinfected with higher frequency, including the following areas: criminal and civil presiding courts, BCSO substations, Tax Accessor-Collector’s offices, and the Central Jury Room.

The Facilities Department has placed large hand sanitizer dispensers at every entrance and exit in the County complex and freestanding (touchless) dispensers have been ordered for every County building.

Informational posters on handwashing and COVID-19 prevention information have been posted in every County facility and high traffic areas.

Updates on County offices, services, and facilities will be posted here and on the County’s social media platforms:

COVID-19 Hotline Now Open

The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District has opened a COVID-19 hotline for residents to ask questions about the virus. The hotline is available in English and Spanish. Residents can call 210-207-5779. (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) Information for the public is also available at: www.sanantonio.gov/health/2019ncoronavirus.

COVID-19 Information Websites

Informational Videos

Resource Documents

What is COVID19?

Reduce Your Risk

COVID19 Fact Sheet