Updated March 27, 2020
Latest local News
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff Issues Executive Order "Stay Home, Work Safe Measures"
On Monday, March 23, 2020, Bexar County Judge Wolff issued Executive Order NW-03, directing all persons within incorporated and unincorporated Bexar County to stay home ("Stay Home, Work Safe Measures") to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
View the complete Executive Order here
Order Summary:
- Orders all Bexar County residents to remain at home, except for essential travel and needs
- Suspends evictions and foreclosure proceedings are suspended for at least 30 days
- Bexar County residents and constituents are encouraged to conduct business online, by phone, or via regular mail to avoid visiting any County facility unless absolutely necessary
- That anyone who is sick should stay home and not engage in any activity outside of their residence
- University Health System (UHS) will cooperate and continue to provide the County Judge and appropriate Bexar County staff information deemed necessary to make public policy and executive decisions
- Issues orders against price gouging on items including:
- Groceries, beverages, toilet articles, ice;
- Restaurants, cafeterias, and boarding-house meals; and
- Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment and supplies.
Peace officers are hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this Executive Order in accordance with the authority granted under the Texas Disaster Act of 1975. Any person who violates this Executive Order may be subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or confinement for a period no longer than 180 days.
Revised Declaration of Continuation of Public Health Emergency
On Thursday, March 19, 2020, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff provided a revision to the Declaration of Public Health Emergency. This rescinds the previous executive order and key highlights include reducing public gatherings to 10 people or less, avoiding eating or drinking at bars, restaurants and food courts, but does allow the option of drive-thru, pickup, and delivery - which the governor highly encourages. Constituents and residents are encouraged to conduct essential business online or by mail, in order to avoid visiting Bexar County facilities.
View the complete Declaration of Public Health Emergency here
Declaration of Continuation of Public Health Emergency
On March 18, 2020, Bexar County Commissioners Court approved to extend the initial emergency declaration passed last Friday for another 90 days. Included in the declaration, by Executive Order of the County Judge, local restaurants and bars are to follow all Center for Disease Control guidelines.
View the Executive Order Now from Judge Wolff
Declaration of Public Health Emergency
On Friday, March 13, 2020, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued a declaration of public health emergency. Key highlights include Judge Wolff directing County officials and medical staff to implement enhanced screening and monitoring processes and procedures for detection of COVID-19 at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, all jury panels are suspended by special order of Administrative Judge Ron Rangel, and directing rental property owners to temporarily suspend evictions for at least the next 30 days.
Click here to read the declaration in its entirety.
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.
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.
Does the use of facemasks in the community help prevent COVID-19?
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wearing a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected.
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 9th, or until it is either rescinded, superseded or amended.
Affected Bexar County Offices and Operations
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
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.
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.
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.
Presiding Civil District Court and Jury Monitoring Court
On March 19, 2020, the Supreme Court of Texas and the Court of Criminal Appeals issued the Third Emergency Order Regarding COVID-19 State of Disaster, “prohibiting no-essential proceedings in person contrary to local, state, and national directives”.
On March 23, 2020, County Judge Nelson Wolff and Mayor Ron Nirenberg issued a Stay at Home, Work safe order. The Bexar County Civil District Courts have now extended the limitations set out in the prior Order through April 3, 2020.
View the complete Special Order here
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.
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.bexarcountyprotecticeorders.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.
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.
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.
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 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.
- View the Justices of the Peace Court Order here.
- View the Second Order Regarding Court Proceedings Pending COVID-19 State of Emergency
Suspension of Jury Duty
Effective Monday, March 16 through Thursday, April 16, jury trials are suspended. Any juror summons received by Bexar County residents on or between those dates 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, April 27.
View Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Suspension of Jury Duty
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
COVID-19 Self-screening Tool
The new COVID-19 self-screening tool is a web-based platform, available in English and Spanish, can be found at covid19test.quacito.com. This tool will help a person understand if they should seek COVID-19 testing from their health care provider, depending on the symptoms they report. This tool doesn’t replace professional medical care, but is a useful screening tool, to provide assurance and direction for possible next steps.
Visit the COVID-19 Self-screening tool
Information for your Family
BiblioTech Public Library
In an abundance of caution, BiblioTech will be closing all branches and canceling all events from Monday, March 16 through Sunday, April 5. BiblioTech is committed to providing the safest possible environment for patrons and will continue with their current aggressive sanitization of all public use equipment and surfaces after they reopen to the public.
All BiblioTech resources continue to be available online 24/7 at www.bexarbibliotech.org.
Resources
- Via Transit Updates
- Mental Health:
- 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
- Culinary Restaurants Week to Go
- 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.
COVID-19 Information Websites
Informational Videos
Resource Documents
- Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Testing Algorithm (PDF)
- Health Advisory (PDF)
- Hospital Poster English (PDF)
- Hospital Poster Chinese (PDF)
- Hospital Poster Spanish (PDF)
- Hand Washing Poster (PDF)