File photo
File photo
San Antonio and Bexar County have issued a "Stay Home, Work Safe," order after the county experienced its first COVID-19 death and the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 continues to rise.
The stay-at-home order means residents in San Antonio and surrounding communities within the county can only leave their home for reasons deemed essential, according to the San Antonio Express-News. Those reasons include going to work if your job is considered essential, going to the grocery store or on any food-related trips, receiving medical assistance, getting gas, or exercising outdoors while practicing social distancing.
All houses of worship have been advised to conduct their services remotely.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said only essential businesses will remain open including internet and telecommunication service providers, medical centers, pharmacies, grocery stores, and gas stations. Government construction projects will continue and public and private transportation services will also remain operational.
Businesses that provide social services for disadvantaged members of society will remain open as well as child care providers. Schools will be closed but teachers will continue educating students using online platforms.
As of April 17, Texas reported 17,371 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 428 deaths. Bexar County has 918 confirmed cases of COVID-19. A woman in her 80s who succumbed to the virus in hospice care was the county's first death. Since then, 36 more residents have succumbed to the virus.
COVID-19 testing is being reserved for people who are most at risk of developing complications from the virus, according to the Express-News. Violating the stay at home order could lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and six months of jail time.
"Stay home, save lives,” Nirenberg said. “That’s all we want.”
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