City Of San Antonio: Metro Health Urges Caution Before Heading Out To Celebrate New Year's Eve

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

December 29, 2021

CONTACT: covid19media@sanantonio.gov
Rudy Arispe: (210) 207-8172

SAN ANTONIO (December 29, 2021) - Metro Health is reporting an approximately three-fold increase in COVID-19 cases. The Omicron variant is prevalent in Bexar County and the increase in case counts can be attributed to the Omicron variant.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Omicron accounted for approximately 25% of cases state-wide the week of December 11, and a week later it nearly quadrupled to approximately 85% of COVID cases. We expect a similar trend in our community.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issued new guidance on the isolation and quarantine periods for individuals exposed to COVID-19. To that effect, Metro Health has issued an updated health advisory recommending this guidance to the public.

“The Omicron variant is spreading in our community, but we have the necessary tools to fight the virus and ring in 2022 in a safer way,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. “Get vaccinated, get your booster shot and mask up. If you’re planning to meet up with those outside your household, consider using a self-test or getting tested. By practicing these tried-and-true health measures, we can all kick off 2022 in a safer way.”

Individuals who plan to ring in the New Year with family and friends should practice a few safety measures to avoid COVID-19 infection, especially as Bexar County has seen an increase in daily case numbers this week. These safety measures include being vaccinated against the virus, getting tested, wearing a well-fitting mask, staying home if they are sick and celebrating in well ventilated or outdoor spaces. If you have not received your test results and were exposed to a confirmed positive case of COVID-19, stay home. If you test positive, stay home and do not gather with others.

“As we prepare to celebrate the New Year, we ask that Bexar County residents exercise caution to avoid infection from the coronavirus and help prevent spreading it to others,” Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said. “All of us must be on guard now that Omicron is the dominant variant in the community.”

“The Omicron variant is responsible for the expected increase in daily cases we are seeing. This variant is highly transmissible, but we can all do our part to contain its spread,” Metro Health Director Claude A. Jacob said. “Get vaccinated as soon as possible if you are not already to help prevent infection from COVID-19 and spreading it to others. Get a booster dose if you are eligible. Getting vaccinated can help prevent serious illness or hospitalization, and people who have breakthrough cases are much more likely to only have mild or no symptoms.”

Metro Health also stresses the importance of testing and what to do when you get tested.

• Consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household.
• A positive self-test result means that you have an infection and should avoid indoor gatherings to reduce the risk of spreading disease to someone else.
• A negative self-test result means that you may not have an infection. Repeating the test with at least 24 hours between tests will increase the confidence that you are not infected.
• Ask your healthcare provider if you need help interpreting your test results.

“Metro Health also recommends everyone wear a mask regardless of your vaccination status,” Jacob said. “It can’t be stressed enough that if you are feeling ill even if you think it’s just allergies, stay home and get tested.”

No cost community testing sites are listed at covid19.sanantonio.gov. Click here for more information about staying safe during the holidays.

“The City of San Antonio operates several free test sites and vaccination clinics in the community. We are monitoring the conditions closely and will continue to follow the best practices set by the CDC and Metro Health,” City Manager Erik Walsh said. “If you need assistance accessing test or vaccine services, please call 311; option 8. Let’s all have a safe start to the new year.”

Metro Health also provided a Health Advisory on isolation and quarantine periods, posted at covid19.sanantonio.gov and based on new recommendations by the CDC. In short, both isolation and quarantine periods for asymptomatic people are shortened to 5 days, followed by 5 days of mask-wearing in shared public spaces.

Holiday Alamodome Schedule

Metro Health’s Alamodome Drive-Thru Clinic is operating on a holiday schedule this week. It is closed Wednesday, December 29 and Friday, December 31. The clinic will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 30. Regular hours of noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday resume January 5.

For a list of vaccine pop-up clinics and testing locations, visit covid19.sanantonio.gov or call 311 and select option 8.

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