Weekly Update
Mayor's Fitness Council of San Antonio
Message from Full Council Chair, Mandy Tyler
Greetings Mayor Fitness Council Members-
I hope each of you had a great Mother's Day Weekend and spent some time outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather. The time at home and sunny weather has allowed my family to enjoy many family walks, bike rides, afternoons in the yard, and meals together on the patio.
Our MFC committees have continued to meet virtually and are doing great work to support the health and well-being of our community during this time. The FitCitySA website has been given an overhaul and should be up and running at full capacity by next week. It continues to be amazing to see the great work of our community partners during this time.
This week make it a priority to check out the CHEF at Home webpage, participate in a YMCA Virtual Workout, go on a virtual tour of the Witte Museum, and sign-up for the San Antonio Sports Fit Family Challenge Home Edition!
Please continue to follow the MFC on social media and share with your connections the great work of our group!
Have a great week!
Mandy
Committee Meetings This Week
Mayor's Fitness Council Executive Committee Meeting
Questions? Just Ask! Email Andrea.Bottiglieri@sanantonio.gov
Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 02:00 PM
Via Zoom
Mayor's Fitness Council Community Committee Meeting
To join, use the following Zoom Meeting log-in:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81985308197?pwd=NHdUbjZzaEl0aHlHWU9SRGhJV2cvUT09
Meeting ID: 819 8530 8197
Password: 9dbyG6
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 819 8530 8197
Password: 776220
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kccGZSdxU8
Questions? Just Ask! Contact Community Committee Chair, Bert Pickell - bpickell@satx.rr.com
Thursday, May 14, 2020, 03:00 PM
Via Zoom
Committee Meetings Later in May
Mayor's Fitness Council Communications Committee Meeting
Questions? Just Ask! Andrea.Bottiglieri@sanantonio.gov
Thursday, May 21, 2020, 02:00 PM
Via Zoom
San Antonio Business Group on Health Board of Directors Meeting
Questions? Just Ask! Contact SABGH President, Lauren Trapane - ltrapane@safoodbank.org
Thursday, May 28, 2020, 03:00 PM
Via Zoom
Mayor's Fitness Council Student Ambassador Application Deadline is EXTENDED to Friday, May 22, 2020
Message from Mayor Nirenberg and City Council Members - We're All in This Together
Covid-19 Resource Websites
Mayor Nirenberg and Judge Wolff Covid-19 Daily Briefing
Update from Mayor Nirenberg:
COVID-19 (coronavirus) UPDATE from Monday, May 11th:
[PLEASE READ & SHARE]
[NEW: Asymptomatic testing]
[NEW: Progress warnings & indicators]
Good evening, San Antonio.
We are now at 1920 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bexar County, up 19 from yesterday. 1 in the general public, and 18 and under investigation.
Of the total 1920 positive cases:
- 1322 are in the community
- 303 are jail inmates
- 55 are jail staff
- 175 are from other congregate settings - like nursing homes. We are now separating these out. The majority of the congregate setting cases are still from SE Nursing & Rehabilitation, though there hasn’t been a new case at this facility in several weeks.
- 65 remain under investigation
Overall: 53% are close-contact. 31% are community-transmitted. 11.5% are travel-related. 4% are under investigation. 0.5% are unknown (sufficient contact information was not yet provided to complete a full investigation).
- 978 individuals have fully recovered
- 63 are currently hospitalized, 44 in the ICU, 26 are on ventilators
It’s with immense sadness that we report the COVID-19 related death of another San Antonio area resident - an employee of Southeast Nursing & Rehabilitation lost her battle after spending several weeks in the hospital. We’ve now lost 57 residents to COVID-19.
We are able to confirm receipt of 35,109 total test results in Bexar County.
See all of the data here: https://www.sanantonio.gov/Health/News/Alerts/CoronaVirus
Today’s live briefing: https://www.facebook.com/cosagov/videos/230755721687621/
---------
ASYMPTOMATIC TESTING:
Today, San Antonio Metro Health announced the expansion of COVID-19 testing to asymptomatic individuals. Local health care providers, drive-thru locations, and the San Antonio Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program (MIH) will continue to partner to bring the community accessible testing at no cost, while prioritizing underserved communities.
To view testing location options, visit https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/What-YOU-C…/Symptoms-Testing…. It is encouraged to make an appointment at most locations. For a designated time please call the COVID-19 hotline for more information at 210-207-5779.
The updated hours of the COVID-19 hotline are:
Monday- Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
---------
PROGRESS WARNINGS & INDICATORS:
You can now see progress warnings and indicators in our community here: https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/…/Progress-Warning-Indicator…
---------
COUNCIL BRIEFING:
Last week, Council was briefed on the $270 million the City received as part of the federal CARES Act. We have outlined a strategy that prioritizes keeping everyone in their home and getting San Antonio online, trained and educated for the post-COVID-19 economy.
You can watch the whole meeting here: https://www.facebook.com/cosagov/videos/888180161685237/
---------
MORE NO-COST TESTING SITES:
Metro Health and San Antonio Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Health Program (MIH) have partnered to bring the community free and accessible testing in underserved and minority communities. Two walk-up COVID-19 test sites, which do not require an appointment, will open May 7 – 9 at the Las Palmas Library parking lot and Woodlawn Lake Park.
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services, Texas Emergency Medical Task Force, Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Military Department have also added more mobile COVID-19 test collection dates and locations to residents at no cost.
To register for a test, residents can visit www.txcovidtest.org or call 512.883.2400. To view all upcoming test locations please visit https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/News-Events/Events.
---------
SAN ANTONIO ECONOMIC TRANSITION TEAM:
City Council and the Commissioners Court held a joint meeting to discuss the San Antonio Health Transition Team's guidance on eventually phasing out of our social distancing measures.
While we're not out of the woods just yet, it's critical that we have a plan in place for when that time comes.
You can watch the entire meeting here: https://www.facebook.com/161177032727/videos/229250145035664/
The full written report is available here: https://www.sanantonio.gov/…/EasyDNN…/DocumentDownload.ashx…
I want to thank the co-chairs, Kevin Voelkel and Julissa Carielo, and the entire transition team for their diligence in ensuring that the health of our community remains our chief priority. A healthy economy starts with healthy people.
---------
COVID-19 TIMELINE
The first coronavirus evacuee cohort was brought to Joint Base San Antonio on February 7. I know it feels like it was ages ago.
It can be difficult to keep up with the series of COVID-19 related events, so I've launched an online COVID-19 timeline.
See more here: https://askron.org/covid-19-timeline
---------
SAN ANTONIO HEALTH TRANSITION TEAM:
City Council and the Commissioners Court held a joint meeting to discuss the San Antonio Health Transition Team's guidance on eventually phasing out of our social distancing measures.
While we're not out of the woods just yet, it's critical that we have a plan in place for when that time comes.
You can watch the entire meeting here: https://www.facebook.com/cosagov/videos/165201338151953/
The full written report is available here: https://www.sanantonio.gov/…/EasyDNN…/DocumentDownload.ashx…
I want to thank Chair Dr. Barbara Taylor and the entire transition team for their diligence in ensuring that the health of our community remains our chief priority. A healthy economy starts with healthy people.
---------
COVID-19 EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
Council has approved the creation of the COVID-19 Emergency Housing Assistance Program. The program is funded with $25 million from various sources.
The new program provides individuals and families rent, mortgage, utility and internet access assistance in the event of a hardship. Funds are paid directly to the landlord, financial institution, internet provider and utility provider. In addition, funds for groceries, medicine and fuel, in the form of cash assistance, will be distributed directly to individuals or families in an amount not to exceed $300.
Residents seeking assistance should visit: https://www.sanantonio.gov/NHSD/Programs/FairHousing or call 311
Text HousingHelpSA to 41444 to donate to this fund.
---------
ADDITIONAL FREE TESTING FACILITIES:
Two new drive-thru COVID-19 testing locations are open on the west and south sides of San Antonio. The new test sites will provide accessible testing in underserved and minority communities. The City of San Antonio and Metro Health are committed to find ways to address the specific needs of each community, be able to assess other social determinants of health, and remove the current barriers to access testing.
The available drive-thru facilities are:
- Freeman Coliseum
- Texas MedClinic SW Military
- Walmart W Military
You do not need a doctor’s recommendation to get tested for COVID-19 at these three drive-thru facilities.
Freeman & Texas MedClinic, call 210-233-5970 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to complete the registration process for a test.
Walmart, please go online: DoINeedACOVID19Test.com
---------
VENTILATOR / HOSPITAL BED CAPACITY:
550 of 708 ventilators are freely available, 78%. 26 are being used to fight COVID-19.
1779 of 4723 staffed hospital beds are freely available, 38%. 63 are currently being used in our fight against COVID-19.
---------
ISOLATION FACILITIES:
Do you have COVID-19 and are worried that you can’t properly isolate yourself in your home?
The City has contracted with local facilities to provide for temporary lodging in the event you seek a more proper place to isolate during your recovery. Temporary lodging facilities are available in all quadrants of the city.
To inquire about temporary lodging for you COVID-19 recovery, please call 210-207-5779.
---------
SOUTH TEXAS BLOOD & TISSUE CENTER:
If you’ve recovered from COVID-19, you may be able to help others by donating plasma. If you are interested, please email COVID19@southtexasblood.org or call them at 210-731-2719.
---------
NON-PROFIT ASSISTANCE:
Area nonprofit organizations have answered the call to action, launching funds in response to COVID-19.
The San Antonio Area Foundation has launched a COVID-19 Response Fund. More information can be found here: http://www.saafdn.org/About/News/COVID-19-Response-Fund
The Big Give has launched a #BigGiveRelief fund: https://www.thebiggivesa.org/
San Antonio Food Bank's COVID-19 Response Campaign: https://safoodbank.org/cvresponse/
Meals on Wheels: https://mowsatx.org
----------
COMMUNICATION PORTALS:
San Antonio COVID-19 website:
https://www.sanantonio.gov/Health/News/Alerts/CoronaVirus
American Sign Language:
http://sat.ahasalerts.com/ActiveAlerts.aspx?id=1334
COVID-19 Hotline: 311 or 210.207.5779
Text COSAGOV to 55000 for text alerts
Live video updates can be viewed every night at 6:10 on the City of San Antonio - Municipal Government page. The updates are recorded and stored on the videos tab. Members of the press ask questions after these briefings, which we answer on air.
Ready South Texas app:
https://www.readysouthtexasapp.com/
---------
FAMILY VIOLENCE / MENTAL HEALTH:
I want you to know there are always people willing to help.
SAPD is reporting that family violence calls have spiked in recent weeks. To make a safety plan or to report suspected abuse, call 210-207-SAPD (7273). Family Violence Prevention Services can assist with shelter 24/7 at 210-733-8810.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
The State of Texas has opened up a 24/7 mental health hotline: 833-986-1919
If you'd prefer to text, you can chat with someone at the Crisis Text Line by texting SHARE to 741741.
---------
We've come a long way, so don't give up now!
A healthy economy starts with healthy people.
Stay home. Stay safe. Save lives.
Previously residents were required to show symptoms of the disease, which included a fever, dry cough, chills, amongst other symptoms of COVID-19. Starting today, individuals will have access to testing even if they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms.
“We continue to remind the public that COVID-19 testing is a snapshot in time. Just because a person tests negative, it does not mean they have not contracted COVID-19 previously or cannot contact it in the future,” said Dr. Dawn Emerick, Director of Metro Health. “For our residents who are insured, they also have the option to contact their provider to access testing. It is important for the uninsured residents to know they also have access to testing at no charge and have resources to make sure they are healthy and are aware of services that are available in our city.”
The new health alert issued by Metro Health states that clinicians should use their judgment to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested. Asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been reported and will be monitored by Metro Health. Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing) but some people may present with other symptoms as well. Clinicians are still encouraged to test for other causes of respiratory illness.
If testing capacity is limited, then testing will be prioritized based on the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), “Evaluating and Testing Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” issued May 4, 2020.
In addition, the City of San Antonio has an online self-screening tool that can be found at www.sanantonio.gov/covid19. This tool does not replace medical care if a person is feeling ill. A healthcare provider should be visited if symptoms worsen or if underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease, or heart disease is a factor in the person’s medical history.
To view testing location options, visit the Metro Health website. It is encouraged to make an appointment at most locations. For a designated time please call the COVID-19 hotline for more information at 210-207-5779.
Bexar County School Districts Serving Up Curbside Meals
You've Seen Her on Many of the City Videos - Tune in to Hear a Discussion with Councilman Manny Pelaez and Julienne Langunas Ponce (Click Photo Below to Play Video)
News from the San Antonio Food Bank
If you, or someone you know, need food assistance or help with applying for federal benefits, such as SNAP, please call the San Antonio Food Bank at (210) 431-8326.
You can preregister for an upcoming food distribution, or senior home delivery at: www.safoodbank.org/cvresponse
Click on the Link Below To Sign Up to Volunteer with the San Antonio Food Bank
Try this Meatless Dish From Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (Click on Photo Below to Play Video)
// No Trip to the Gym - Work Out at Home! //
San Antonio Parks & Recreation Home Bodies Cardio Combo Workout (Click Photo Below to Play Video)
Let's Get Moving with the American Heart Association! (Click Photo Below to Play Video)
San Antonio Sports Fit Family At Home Challenge
STAY ACTIVE. STAY HEALTHY. San Antonio Sports initiative offers free online fitness opportunities for adults and children
During this time of sheltering at home, San Antonio Sports is focusing on ways to keep the community active through a new initiative, Stay Active. Stay Healthy. With research showing that physical activity is important to mental health, San Antonio Sports is focusing on three areas: i play! afterschool at home (for children), Fit Family Challenge Home Edition, and using our website to share free online physical fitness content (an online virtual fitness portal). All can be found at SanAntonioSports.org.
Every summer since 2010, families around San Antonio have come together to play, exercise and develop healthy habits through San Antonio Sports’ free program, Fit Family Challenge presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Fit Family Challenge – Home Edition will offer multiple live Zumba classes each week and a 12-week fitness challenge from Alpha Warrior, a progressive series of at-home fitness instruction that moves from Delta to Charlie, Bravo and Alpha Warrior levels. In addition, Fit Family Challenge Home Edition offers resources and workouts to complete at any time and great prizes to win by participating.
i play! afterschool is San Antonio Sports’ innovative afterschool program that ignites a love of sport in 3rd-5th graders. i play! at home will provide children and young adults resources to practice their sport skills away from school. The online program provides fun ways children can practice their skills in five different sports – soccer, track, volleyball, basketball and tennis—using equipment and objects that can be found at home. In addition, Alpha Warrior has developed some family-friendly games to help get the entire family moving together.
The Stay Active. Stay Healthy. web site also lists a selection of organizations and business offering a variety of free online fitness classes for adults and children.
“Like many nonprofits, we’ve had to adjust in these uncertain times. But we are staying true to our mission to transform the community through the power of sport,” says Russ Bookbinder, San Antonio Sports’ President & CEO. “San Antonio Sports will continue to be a hub for community fitness and kids programs as we launch Stay Active. Stay Healthy. Whether you’re inside or outdoors, it’s important to exercise and this initiative has something for everyone.”
Local sports notables will be helping spread the message on social media and everyone is invited to share his or her ways of staying active using the hashtag #iStayHealthy.
For more information, visit SanAntonioSports.org.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month #breakthestigma
Click on Photo Below to Play Video
Far From Alone - Learn More About What Humana is Working On For Mental Health Month
From Councilwoman Ana Sandoval - How to Help Seniors Feel Connected During Lonely Times
It's National Prevention Week!
// Free Webinars and Workshops to Check Out //
TONIGHT - Progressive Policy in a Pandemic Facebook Live
Hear from four leaders in policy from nonprofit, to transportation, to education, and small business issues. These leaders will be talking about how COVID-19 has affected our community, the work they are doing to help vulnerable populations, and how we move forward.
Enroll for Free - Covid-19 Contact Tracing Course from John Hopkins University
Free Workshops - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Weekly Gardening Series (see schedule below)
Horticulturist David Rodriguez and Entomologist Molly Keck are joining forces to provide a weekly plants and bugs webinar series. Join us to learn about your landscape and the insects that could wreak havoc on it!
Every Tuesday and Wednesday in April @ 1-2pm Central Time. Plus a few bonus webinars! ALL WEBINARS START AT 1PM.
Top Ten for Trees
May 12 - Ten of the Best Blooming Trees for your Landscape
May 13 – Ten Bugs That Damage Trees
Superstar Plants
May 19 – Make a Tropical Paradise with Superstar Plants
May 20 – Common Pests and Remedies for Superstar Plants
It’s Getting HOT, HOT, HOT!
May 26 - Getting Your Lawn and Landscape Ready for the Summer Heat
May 27 – Heat Loving and Thriving Pests
No Registration Fee! American Diabetes Association Virtual Tour de Cure - August 15, 2020
Register here: diabetes.org/cstxtourdecure There is no registration fee for this event!
Dr. Amelie Ramirez Discusses Latino Health Equity Amid the Coronavirus
SA2020 & KLRN - The Story Goes with Jordana Barton Discussing the Digital Divide
// Thinking About the Class of 2020 - College Grads, High School Seniors and 8th Grade Graduates //
Mayor's Fitness Council Senior Student Mentors
Saifa Sajjad - Senior 2020 Brandeis HS - NISD
Maxwell Harrison - Senior 2020 Brandeis HS - NISD
Skyler Williams - Senior 2020 Young Women's Leadership Academy - SAISD
Spotlight and Shout Out to the 8th Grade and Senior Graduates from Providence Catholic School!
Have You Heard? H-E-B is Hosting a Texas Sized Graduation for the Class of 2020!
Message from UTSA to Students with a Reminder That We're All in This Together! This video features Healthy Schools Committee Member, Dr. Langston Clark
Catch the Thunderbirds Fly Over San Antonio Tomorrow, May 13th!
Need Some Feel Good? Watch San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller Bless the Skies over San Antonio Prior to the Thunderbirds Fly Over on Wednesday
Mayor's Fitness Council 2019 Annual Report
Support the Mayor's Fitness Council Social Media
FitCitySA Facebook
FitCitySA Instagram
FitCitySA Twitter
Mayor's Fitness Council Members Only Facebook Group: Here is the link to join the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mfcsa/
In an effort to bring all Mayor's Fitness Council Committees together and stay updated with what is happening across the Council, the MFC Communications Committee launched a Facebook group for MFC internal updates and happenings to keep all members and key community partners abreast of the latest news and information from the Mayor's Fitness Council.
Thank you First Responders, Doctors and Nurses! Happy National Hospital Week!
Mayor's Fitness Council
Email: Andrea.Bottiglieri@sanantonio.gov
Website: www.fitcitysa.com
Location: 111 Soledad Street, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-857-5378
Facebook: facebook.com/FitCitySA
Twitter: @FitCitySA