File image
File image
SAN ANTONIO – A computer model used by the City of San Antonio is predicting the COVID-19 infection rate will peak in Bexar County by the end of April.
The city is relying on four models to attempt to predict the behaviors of the coronavirus locally, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
“Some of the data that we’re seeing from these models estimate the peak of the pandemic here in Bexar County to happen anywhere between late April and mid-May,” Assistant City Manager Colleen Bridger said.
Yet, between the four models, the predicted range at which the total number of cases will peak is anywhere from 1,100 to 10,000. As of April 19, Texas reported 18,923 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 477 deaths. Bexar County has 992 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Bridger said they hope as they get more data on the spread of the infection the range will narrow, though she also cautioned the models could change.
“Just like when we’re looking at hurricane maps, it may wobble a little bit to the east or a little bit to the west,” she said.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg cautioned residents not to forget that a peak does not mean the crisis is over. He said he does not want to see the city back in the same situation in six months due to a lack of caution.
As better testing becomes available, the city is also focusing on testing more areas where few residents have been tested so far.
“We’re going to be focusing on those ZIP codes that seem to have the lowest participation in what we’re doing around COVID-19, to increase screening and testing in those areas,” Bridger said.
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff Judge also said the county was taking measures to address a spread of coronavirus in the county jail.
“While our number are low, we expect to continue to have some issues at the jail, and we’re taking all the steps that we can reasonably take,” Wolff said.