City Of San Antonio Asks Residents What Will It Take To Slow The Spread Of Coronavirus?

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

November 12, 2020

SAN ANTONIO — Ahead of the holiday season, the City of San Antonio has launched a new campaign entitled What Will It Take, which urges residents to take simple actions to slow the spread of COVID-19. The campaign features original songs written by local musicians urging residents to do their part to contain the spread of COVID-19. The campaign will also include on-the-ground outreach efforts in areas that have been most impacted by the pandemic.

“As we enter the holiday season and the eighth month of this pandemic, we know everyone is experiencing COVID-19 fatigue. We all want life to return to normal, but we hope this campaign reminds the public how critical it is to work together to contain the spread of COVID-19,” said City Manager Erik Walsh.

The What Will It Take multimedia campaign, which includes English and Spanish components, includes print advertising, out of home placements, radio, television, digital and social media elements.

The campaign also features original songs from local performers Alyson Alonzo, Shelly Lares, Santiago Jimenez Jr., Azul Barrientos, Michael Carrillo and Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson. The songs, composed in the style of each artist, feature COVID-19 prevention messaging in English and Spanish. The songs will be featured in radio, television and digital advertisements.

“Give it some time and give it some space, because that’s what it takes,” sings Alyson Alonzo in her song.

“It’s my hope that my song inspires the public to do their part to slow the spread of this virus. The Latino community has seen the brunt of the impact of this pandemic and we’ve lost too many lives. It’s time to come together and do our part so that we can have safe holidays again one day,” said musician Azul Barrientos.

“I wrote an intentionally upbeat song to lift the spirits of everyone having a difficult time right now. So many people have been affected by COVID-19 in one way or another, and it’s important we do what we can to get through this together,” said Michael Carrillo.
“Hazlo por San Antonio. I want to sing for a crowd again, but we must each do our part by wearing a mask, washing our hands and keeping physical distance from each other,” said Santiago Jimenez, Jr.

“I’ve been staying home as much as possible to protect my mom at home and now I’m asking San Antonio what it’ll take to celebrate as San Antonio again,” said Shelly Lares. “¿Que tiene que pasar para volver a la normalidad?”

“I’m proud to do my part to keep my community safe and healthy from this virus. It takes a clear and pure focus just to bring us through,” said Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson. “Let’s look out for each other because that’s what it takes to restore our lives.”

The What Will It Take campaign features traditional advertising, as well as grassroots efforts in areas that have been most affected by COVID-19. Local taquerias and panaderias will receive bags for their curbside to-go orders that feature prevention messages in English and Spanish. In addition, street teams with prevention information, masks and other materials will deploy in targeted areas to help educate people about behaviors they can take to slow the spread.

Residents can learn more at covid19.sanantonio.gov.

FOUR WAYS TO SIGN UP FOR COVID-19 ALERTS

1. Download the Ready South Texas app, available in the iTunes and Google Play stores
2. Text COSAGOV to 55000 to receive SMS text message updates
3. Follow @COSAGOV on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
4. Bookmark covid19.sanantonio.gov.

This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.