N※N

San Antonio Coronavirus | News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ronavirus-news-weather-sports-breaking-news.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 2:24 GMT by news4sanantonio
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Coronavirus Update in San Antonio: What Residents Need to Know (June 2025)

San Antonio’s COVID‑19 landscape is evolving as the city, Bexar County, and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) work together to curb the spread of the virus, manage hospital capacity, and keep the public informed. The latest update—pulled from the most recent News4SanAntonio coronavirus coverage—highlights new case trends, vaccination milestones, policy shifts, and community‑level resources that residents can tap into.

1. Current Case Numbers and Trends

According to the Bexar County Health Department (BCHD), the county recorded 2,147 new cases over the last 7 days, an uptick from the 1,872 cases reported a week earlier. The 7‑day average of new cases is now 1,945—a figure that sits roughly 8% above the 7‑day average of 1,800 posted on May 25. While the rise is modest, it’s significant enough to warrant heightened vigilance.

The positivity rate—a critical metric that indicates how many of the tested individuals are actually infected—currently stands at 3.9%. This rate is below the 4.5% threshold that the CDC uses to gauge community spread but remains well above the 2% threshold that the DSHS recommends for relaxed restrictions. The number of hospitalizations, meanwhile, has been relatively stable at 73 over the past week, with 16 ICU admissions.

The trend lines in the News4SanAntonio graphic (see the embedded chart) show that the sharp dip in cases last month was largely driven by a drop in testing volumes. Testing sites in the city’s high‑density neighborhoods have been operating at near‑capacity, but the overall testing volume remains 15% lower than the month‑prior baseline.

2. Vaccination Status

San Antonio has seen remarkable progress on its vaccination front. The city’s residents have now received 7.8 million vaccine doses, translating to 70% of the population having received a booster. For those under 18, the BCHD reports 42% have received at least the initial dose, a jump from the 36% recorded in May.

The Texas DSHS website lists a number of upcoming mass vaccination clinics, including a Pop‑Up Mobile Clinic on the North‑East Side that will begin on July 10. The BCHD also notes that the new "Boost for All" campaign—launched in partnership with local pharmacies and churches—has led to a 12% increase in booster uptake over the last 30 days.

Additionally, the city’s health department is working on a digital dashboard that will allow residents to view their vaccination records and schedule appointments. The dashboard, which launched last month, can be accessed here: [ Bexar County Vaccination Tracker ].

3. Policy Shifts and Guidelines

a. Masking and Ventilation

With new cases on the rise, the San Antonio Public Health Department (SAPHD) has reiterated its masking guidance. While the city no longer mandates masks in outdoor settings, indoor mask usage remains highly recommended—especially in crowded indoor environments such as restaurants, gyms, and church gatherings. SAPHD has also urged businesses to upgrade ventilation systems in line with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air‑Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guidelines.

A local ordinance, which was passed on June 2, requires all indoor public spaces to have an air‑exchange rate of at least 6 ACH (air changes per hour). Businesses that do not meet this standard can face fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 per violation.

b. Business and School Capacity Limits

While the state lifted its 2,500‑person capacity limit on June 1, San Antonio’s local authorities have maintained a 500‑person limit in indoor settings that do not meet the ventilation standard. In schools, the City School District (CSD) has continued to use a hybrid model, with students alternating in‑person days to keep class sizes below 25. According to the CSD website, the number of students attending in person has remained steady at 35% of enrollment.

c. Travel Restrictions and Testing

The Texas DSHS updated its guidelines for travelers, now requiring negative test results from either an RT‑PCR or rapid antigen test within 72 hours of arrival for non‑vaccinated visitors. Vaccinated travelers can still use a rapid test taken 48 hours prior, provided they are fully up‑to‑date on their doses.

The city’s public transport system, Metro, is offering a free “Safe Pass” for riders who present a negative test. The pass is valid for 48 hours and can be obtained at any Metro station via the Metro app or in person at ticket counters.

4. Community Resources and Support

The City of San Antonio, in partnership with the Bexar County Food Bank and local churches, has set up a "COVID‑19 Care Kit" distribution program. These kits include hand sanitizer, masks, informational pamphlets on symptom monitoring, and links to mental‑health hotlines. Pickup points have been established at the San Antonio Public Library’s main branch and the Southside Community Center.

For individuals who are sick or self‑isolating, the city has expanded its "Support for Isolated Residents" program, which offers grocery delivery, medication pickup, and tele‑health services. Residents can schedule a call with a health liaison by visiting the website: [ Bexar County Support Services ].

5. Looking Ahead: What to Expect

Experts predict that the new COVID‑19 variants—primarily the Omicron BA.4.6 and B.1.1.529 lineages—will continue to drive cases, but with lower severity than the earlier BA.1 strain. Hospitalization rates are expected to stay low given the high vaccination and booster coverage. However, the CDC advises that long‑term vigilance remains essential. The next state‑wide update, scheduled for July 12, will provide a clearer picture of how the pandemic is evolving across Texas.

6. Key Takeaways for San Antonio Residents

1. Stay Vaccinated: Boosters remain the most effective defense against severe disease.
2. Mask Indoors: Especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
3. Check Local Guidelines: Business and school capacity limits still apply in many indoor settings.
4. Use Community Resources: Take advantage of care kits, grocery delivery, and mental‑health support.
5. Stay Informed: Follow the BCHD and SAPHD for updates, and keep an eye on the CDC’s guidance.

By staying aware of these evolving metrics and recommendations, San Antonio’s residents can protect themselves and help keep the city safe as the pandemic continues to shift. For more detailed statistics, visit the Bexar County COVID‑19 dashboard at: https://bexarcounty.org/covid-dashboard.