Residents will receive an emergency alert if COVID-19 cases increase in Bexar County

SAN ANTONIO – The Bexar County Office of Emergency Management issued an emergency alert on Tuesday evening urging the public to slow the spread of COVID-19 as cases increase ahead of the holidays.

The City of San Antonio and Bexar County reported a record number of confirmed new COVID-19 cases – 1,717 – minutes before the alert went off at around 7 p.m.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said rising cases are putting pressure on hospitals in the South Texas region as cases and deaths continue to devastate Texans.

The warning urged all residents to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 by staying at home, avoiding non-essential outings and wearing a mask, especially as the Christmas holidays approach.

The emergency alarm reads as follows:

The Wireless Emergency Alert message sent was as follows: Today more than 1,700 new COVID-19 cases. More than 900 patients in the hospital. The virus spreads and causes high stress in hospitals.

Slow the spread https://bit.ly/3nGa9RK Today more than 1,700 COVID-19 cases. More than 900 hospital patients.

The virus continues to spread and causes stress in hospitals. Stop the contamination.

Nirenberg said he encourages the public to avoid behaviors and situations that spread the virus in order to control the wave locally.

“With COVID-19 cases increasing in our community at an alarming rate, it is critical to remain disciplined to beat the virus,” said Nirenberg. “By avoiding behaviors and situations that spread the coronavirus during the holiday season, we will slow the spread of COVID-19 and accelerate our return to normal behavior. Protect yourself and your loved ones. Keep wearing masks, keep your distance and keep COVID-19 at bay. “

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said positivity and hospital admissions continue to rise, putting the area at risk.

“Our positivity and hospital admissions continue to rise,” said Wolff. “We’re in trouble, Bexar County. I beg all of you as we start the holidays. Please only celebrate with those in your immediate family and household. This virus spreads so easily between people. We want everyone to enjoy a very happy holiday season, but please do it safely. Do not lower your guard or your mask. “

According to a statement by local officials, the region’s hospital systems currently have some capacity, but “the community needs to slow the spread of the virus so that hospitals can keep up.”

For more information on reducing COVID-19 exposure, including guidelines for safe family and friends gatherings to minimize exposure, click here.

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