***COVID-19 Risk Level Upgraded to Severe; Omicron Variant Spreading in San Antonio and Bexar County.  

WEAR A WELL-FITTING MASK, GET VACCINATED, GET TESTED AND STAY HOME IF YOU ARE FEELING SYMPTOMS

SAN ANTONIO (January 3, 2022) – Today, Metro Health upgraded its COVID-19 risk level to the “severe” level. The risk level was calculated based on an increased stress on the local hospital system, daily case rate, two-week increase in cases and hospital trends. This week, the positivity rate is 27.3 percent. The highly transmissible Omicron variant is spreading in the area and residents are encouraged to wear a well-fitting mask, practice social distancing, get vaccinated and obtain their booster shots when eligible. Omicron is expected to account for 90% to 100% of cases in the county. Today, Metro Health reported 3,894 new cases of COVID-19. There were two deaths reported today. There are 506 patients in local hospitals, 22 of whom are pediatric patients.

While there is enough testing capacity in the community, the City has requested expanded capacity at the State’s testing sites. The City has also authorized additional testing sites to be established over the coming days. The City will provide an update to the media when additional sites become available to the public. No-cost community testing sites are listed at covid19.sanantonio.gov.

“We have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and are working to expand testing and other resources as needed. Late last week, the City requested additional federal testing resources from the State.  I’d like to thank the community members who have already gotten vaccinated for doing their part to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said City Manager Erik Walsh. “If you or someone you know needs assistance finding a test site or getting vaccinated, please call 311.”