How do people become infected with Coronavirus?

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
• Close personal contact, such as caring for an infected person;
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
• Rarely, fecal contamination.

How can I avoid infection with COVID-19?

There is currently no vaccine and no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautions you take to avoid the flu. CDC always recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

What are the symptoms?

Patients with confirmed 2019-nCoV infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches or fatigue
• Symptoms may appear 2 - 14 days after exposure

At this time, CDC believes that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as two (2) days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

What should I do if I do not feel well?

If you are experiencing symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, please contact your health care provider. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and can help make the decision whether you should get tested for coronavirus. Please visit the San Antonio Metro Health Department webpage here for information on testing guidelines and criteria. 

What is the Stay Home/Work Safe Order?

Beginning at midnight - Tuesday March 24, 2020 - Mayor Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued separate but joint Stay Home, Work Safe Orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Individuals living within the City of San Antonio and the suburban cities within Bexar County to stay home and only leave their homes to perform allowed activities.

When does the Order start and when does it end?

The order is effective beginning at 11:59 pm on March 24, 2020 and with City Council approval, will be effective until 11:59 pm on April 9^th, or until it is either rescinded, superseded or amended.

Please visit this page to find additional answers to frequently asked questions in regards to COVID-19.

Affected Bexar County Offices and Operations

Suspension of Jury Duty

On Wednesday, April 29, 2020, jury trial suspensions and Jury Duty suspensions were extended until May 29, 2020. Any juror summons received by Bexar County residents before then should be disregarded. Summoned individuals will not be penalized for not appearing to Jury Duty during these dates. Jury Duty is scheduled to resume on Monday, June 1, 2020.

• NEW: Supplemental Order Regarding Jury Service Through May 29, 2020 (April 29,2020)
• Supplemental Order Regarding Jury Service (April 13, 2020)
  
• View Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Suspension of Jury Duty

Bexar County Civil District Courts

The Bexar County Civil District Courts will operate pursuant to this plan effective April 6, 2020. NOTHING IN THIS PLAN SUPERCEDES EMERGENCY ORDERS ISSUED BY ANY NATIONAL, STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Effective April 6, 2020, all cases will be heard remotely by the Civil District Courts. Essential matters will be given priority.

Click here to view the complete Civil District Courts plan.

Bexar County Justices of the Peace

The Bexar County Justices of the Peace have issued an order regarding their court proceedings. Effective March 16, 2020, all civil and criminal bench and jury trials, and court dockets, scheduled to begin through April 16, 2020 will be reset by a later date, scheduled by the Court – with court dockets limited to essential court proceedings. The Courts will remain open during regular business hours to accept filings, service constituents, and review all matters filed by submission.

• NEW: View the Third Order Regarding Court Proceedings Pending COVID-19 State of Emergency
• View the Second Order Regarding Court Proceedings Pending COVID-19 State of Emergency
• View the Justices of the Peace Court First Court Order.

Bexar County District Attorney’s Office

Offices will remain open with reduced staff. Prosecutors are reviewing cases filed by law enforcement and reaching out to victims and witnesses. Grant juries continue to operate. To apply for a protective order, please call 210-631-0100 or fill out an intake form online at www.bexarcountyprotectiveorders.org/apply-online.

The Bexar County Family Justice Center continues to provide services to domestic violence survivors. Call 210-631-0100 for assistance.

Click here to view the media release from the DA’s Office.

Bexar County Sheriff’s Office 

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar has instituted the following changes to the Adult Detention Center: UHS personnel will medically pre-screen all inmates in the sally port before entering the Joint Intake and Assessment Annex (JIAA). Inmates with fever or flu-like symptoms will be booked and housed separately. Bexar County Adult Detention Center bond processing and fine collection has been moved to the JIAA front desk. Deputies are being asked to limit their contact with the public to that which is necessary. The BCSO is also working to minimize custodial arrests by filing non-violent offenses at large.

View the BCSO media advisory.

Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office 

The Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office lobbies are currently closed. The full-service drive through Tax Office remains open from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, located at 3505 Pleasanton Rd, San Antonio, TX 78221. Taxpayers can drop off motor vehicle or property tax paper for processing in our 24-hour drop boxes at all four locations. Motor vehicle or property tax payment arrangements can also be requested by email at taxoffice@bexar.org, or by phone at 210-335-2251.

Tax Assessor-Collector Albert Uresti has also instructed the Linebarger Tax Attorney law Firm to work with the Sheriff’s Office to cancel all delinquent property tax foreclosure sales for the months of April and May.

Click here to view the latest media advisory from the Tax Assessor-Collector (March 24, 2020)

Bexar County Heritage and Parks 

All County park playscapes, play equipment and, basketball courts will close as of Friday, March 27, and remain closed through the duration of the Stay Home, Work Safe orders. 

Playground equipment will be closed off and later wrapped to prevent any unauthorized use. County open green spaces, trails, picnic tables, and restrooms will remain open. Picnic tables, water fountains, and restrooms have been and will continue to be cleaned and sanitized 2-4 times per day, depending on frequency of use. 

Park staff will continue to monitor and maintain grounds, as well as provide reminders to maintain social distancing while using County parks open spaces.

Bexar County Clerk’s Office 

Effective Monday, April 6, there will be no public access to all Bexar County Clerk offices on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In addition, offices will be closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. every day. In order to protect our staff and the public, we are limiting any in-person transactions to appointments only for essential needs at this time. Appointments will only be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and will be restricted to only the party or parties involved. 

Service appointments for marriage licenses and business names can be requested online through their website at www.bexar.org/CountyClerkSchedule. To request certified copies of marriage licenses and business names, call 210-335-3009. To file or request certified real estate property records, call 210-335-2273. For any other services, call 210-335-2216. 

Click here to view the letter from the Bexar County Clerk.

Military and Veterans Services Center

The Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center remains committed to providing benefit and employment services to the military community. Because the health and safety of our community is a top priority, we are taking a number of precautionary measures. Services will continue to be available utilizing telephonic means and virtual technology. Call 210-335-6775 for assistance with VA benefits, claims, and pension questions. For employment or career counseling services, call 210-787-0798.

Click here to view the points of contact available.

Juvenile Probation Department

All children being admitted into the Cyndi Taylor Krier Juvenile Treatment Center will undergo a health screening and have their temperature taken prior to being released. Additional screenings for visitors will be taken. There is also an increased focus on cleaning high traffic area and frequently touched surfaces. 

View the complete Juvenile letter here.

County Courts at Law and District Courts 

The Bexar County Courts at Law and District Courts have issued several orders regarding the suspension of jury duty, limiting dockets, reducing the number of visitors, and enforcement of standard possession orders. 

• View the letter from Judge Ron Rangel.
• View the letter from Judge Cynthia Marie Chapa.
• View the letter from Judge John A. Longoria.
• View the revised statement regarding the Enforcement of Standard Possession for Spring Break from the Bexar County District Courts. 
• View the letter from Judge Monique Diaz, regarding Spring Break provisions of Standard Possession Orders, for the 150th District Court
• View Special Order Regarding Weekly Presiding Schedule for the Criminal District Courts
• View the Special Order Regarding the Wearing of Face Coverings While in Court
• Supplemental Order Regarding Temporary Suspension of Jury Service Due to Pandemic

MOBILE COVID-19 TEST COLLECTION BY APPOINTMENT

Mobile Test Collection is Coming to Your Community

For additional information on COVID-19 testing and testing sites, please visit the City of San Antonio’s page at: https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/What-YOU-Can-Do/Testing

You will be screened if you have:

• Fever and/or Chills
• Cough (Dry or Productive)
• Fatigue
• Body Aches/Muscle or Joint Pain 
• Shortness of Breath
• Sore Throat
• Headaches
• Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea
• Nasal Congestion
• Loss of Taste and/or Smell

To register, visit TXCOVIDTEST.ORG or Call 512-883-2400. Tests are conducted by appointment only.

Upcoming Test Location Sites:

Friday, May 22, 2020 | Saturday, May 23 | Sunday, May 24
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all  three days
Pre-K 4 SA, West Education Center
1235 Enrique M. Barrera Memorial Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78227
View the Pre-K 4 SA, West Education Center Flyer

Mental Health Resources

COVID-19 Mental Health Hotline

Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This new resource offers COVID-19-related mental health support for all Texans. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.

Read full details about the hotline.

Information for your Family

Bexar County Temporary Rental Assistance Measure (TRAM)

Beginning on Friday, May 1, 2020 at 10 a.m., residents in unincorporated Bexar County and 26 suburban cities (e.g., Leon Valley, Kirby, Somerset), will be able to apply for rental assistance through Bexar County’s Temporary Rental Assistance Measure (TRAM). The program will be managed by the Housing Authority of Bexar County (HABC).

The HABC-managed program, will offer 1-3 months of rental assistance (in accordance with HUD Fair Market Rent limits) for residents of unincorporated Bexar County and 26 suburban cities outside of San Antonio

Residents can apply online and get complete details at: www.habctx.org/TRAM or can call 210-940-1180 if they do not have access to the internet.

Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis, with payments will be made directly by HABC to the resident’s landlord.

Bexar County Utility Assistance

Applications for assistance paying your CPS Energy bill can be requested by phone at 210-355-3666, or email at clientservices@bexar.org. Appointments for Pauper Burial services can be scheduled by calling 210-355-0757.

Bexar County Elections Office

To fill out a voter registration form, please visit www.bexar.org/VoterRegistration. Primary runoff elections are scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2020, with early voting July 6 - 10, 2020.

BiblioTech Public Library

Beginning on May 4, all BiblioTech branches will reopen on a limited basis to provide much needed digital and essential services to the public. All branches will reopen in compliance with Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen Texas and the County’s own executive orders.

During this transitional period, branches will only be open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and patrons will be limited to 25 percent of what is listed on the certificate of occupancy. Additionally, all visitors and staff will be required to use a face covering and have their temperature taken.

Among the provided services will be free printing (up to 10 pages), copying, scanning and faxing, the use of the computers (limited to one hour), and device check outs for tablets and Wi-Fi hotspots. While no classes will be held, BiblioTech staff will be available to help answer technical questions. Patrons are also expected to follow all directions given to them by BiblioTech staff – which include following directional signage and maintaining social distancing.

All BiblioTech resources continue to be available online 24/7 at https://bexarbibliotech.org/.

Resources

• Via Transit Updates
• Mental Health:
  • Manage Anxiety & Stress
  • Mental Health And COVID-19 – Information And Resources
• Get Your Home Ready

Information for Your Business

• SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19)
• SBA to Provide Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• SBA Disaster Assistance in Reponse to Coronavirus (PDF)
• Three-Step SBA Disaster Loan (English) (PDF)
• Three-Step SBA Disaster Loan (Spanish) (PDF)

Unemployment Benefits

On March 17, 2020, Texas Governor Greg Abbott instructed the Texas Workforce Commission to waive the waiting week, for Unemployment Benefits. In addition to waiving the waiting week, the Texas Workforce Commission is exercising its authority under the Governor’s declaration of a Statewide Disaster to waive Unemployment Insurance work search requirements effective immediately.

Those seeking to apply for Unemployment Benefits will need to submit an application.

Additional Workforce Solutions Alamo Services

Resources for the Food and Beverage Industry

Visit San Antonio has created an #eatlocal web page that highlights restaurants providing alternative dining options such as take-out, delivery, and drive-thru services.

If you’d like to include your restaurant on this list, email marketing-communications@visitsanantonio.com with:

• Business name
• Physical address
• Phone number

Disaster Relief Initiatives for Food and Beverage Industry

• Culinaria Emergency Relief Fund
• San Antonio Tip Jar
• Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
• Dining Bonds Initiative

Shared Work Program

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) encourages employers to enroll in the Shared Work program as an alternative to layoffs. The voluntary Shared Work program was developed to help Texas employers and employees withstand a slowdown in business such as the impact of COVID-19.

For more information visit the TWC Shared Work page.

Other Resources

Access from AT&T

In response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, AT&T is extending the ACCESS from AT&T offer of two (2) months free service to new customers who order ACCESS by May 23. Thereafter, the cost is $5/month or $10/month (depending on speed) plus taxes and fees. AT&T is also temporarily expanding eligibility.

ACCESS from AT&T provides wireline Home Internet (speeds up to 10 Mbps) to eligible income households who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). There is no annual commitment, no deposit, and no installation or equipment fees. Eligibility is temporarily expanded to include households participating in the National School Lunch Program, Head Start, and households with an income of 135% of less than the federal poverty guidelines. AT&T is also temporarily waiving all home internet data overage fees.

• AT&T Access Flyer (English)
• AT&T Access Flyer (Spanish)