Bexar County Strong COVID-19 Response

Updated July 17, 2020

  1. Actions & Updates
  2. Frequently Asked Questions
  3. Affected Bexar County Services
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Latest local News

NEW: Executive Order NW-13 & Supplemental Order issued by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff

On Wednesday, July 15, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued Executive Order NW-13, effective as of 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020 unless extended, modified or terminated early by the County Judge. 

This Executive Order shall continue the local disaster declaration and public health emergency for Bexar County for the period specified in this Executive Order and shall incorporate and adopt the most recent executive order GA-29 issued by Governor Greg Abbott on July 2, 2020, and any subsequent orders by the Governor relating to the expanded opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster.

Key measures include:

  • All commercial entities in Bexar County providing goods or services directly to the public must develop and implement a health and safety policy (“Health and Safety Policy”). The Health and Safety Policy must require, at a minimum, that all employees or visitors to the commercial entity’s business premises or other facilities 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.
  • In accordance with GA-29, every person 10 years old or older in Bexar County shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity or other building or open space to the public, or when in an outdoor public space, wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing.
  • Commercial entities must prominently display a list of COVID-19 symptoms at or near the public and employee entrances of the premises.
  • All large gatherings or events estimated to be in excess of 10 people, whether indoor or outdoor, are prohibited.
  • Social gatherings, including family gatherings, shall not include more than 10 persons.

In addition, on Friday, July 17, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued a supplemental order to Executive Order NW-13, with the additional measure taking effect as of 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17 and shall expire as of the date and time of NW-13 unless extended, modified or terminated early by Bexar County Judge Nelson W. Wolff.

Key Measures include:

  • No person shall visit nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities and long-term care facilities unless to provide critical services as determined through guidance from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission or other relevant state authority.
  • Excluding those individuals providing critical services, any individual providing non-critical ln-person services or who is otherwise employed or staffs a long-term care facility (e.g. nursing home, or assisted living facility) and has direct patient contact shall be prohibited from working in, or visiting, more than (1) long-term care facility for any purpose as a result of the increased risk for transmission of COVID-19 to an at-risk population

In addition, on Monday, Aug. 3, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued a supplemental order to Executive Order NW-13, with it taking effect as of 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3. 

Key Measures include: 

  • The postponement of the scheduled Aug. 4 Foreclosure Sale. 

Click here to view Order NW-13 in its entirety, issued July 15, 2020.

Click here to view supplemental order to Executive Order NW-13, issued August 3, 2020

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