SAN ANTONIO — For the first time since June 13, the coronavirus risk level for the San Antonio area is in its lowest threshold.
The update was reflected on Metro Health's online dashboard Wednesday, with the same page showing that hospitalizations and case rates were all low as well.
Another 198 COVID-19 infections were tallied Wednesday, continuing a trend of improvement that Bexar County has been able to maintain through the start of the new school year and the arrival of fall. September has averaged 428 new cases a day thus far, down from 735 in August and 961 in July.
The pandemic's grip on local hospitals – which once upon a time resulted in the temporary suspension of elective surgeries, organization of field hospitals and nurses experiencing burnout – has also loosened. On Wednesday there were 132 patients receiving treatment for their symptoms, which is down 37% since Sept. 1.
The Centers for Disease Control also indicate that Bexar County has low community risk for COVID-19, along with most other counties in Texas.
"Metro Health is very optimistic about the drop in numbers," Metro Health Assistant Director Anita Kurian said. "But we want to stress that there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that our entire community remains healthy. With the flu season upon us, now is an essential time to stay healthy by getting your annual flu vaccines and continue to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations."
The focus now continues to turn toward vaccination efforts and helping small business recover from the lingering effects of lockdown. Click here to find local pop-up vaccine sites.
Nearly 642,000 COVID-19 infections have been reported in Bexar County, while more than 5,000 residents have died from virus complications.
---
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.