UPDATE 4:48 p.m.:

Bexar County is extending its Declaration of Emergency because of the coronavirus for an additional 90 days.

By executive order, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff ordered local bars and restaurants to follow all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, including:

  • Limit the amount of people on their premises at one time to half of the designated seating maximum occupancy and ensure that tables are at least 6 feet apart from each other;
  • Disinfect and sanitize commonly touched surface and non-food contact surfaces at least once every hour;
  • Not allow parties of more than six (6) people at one table;
  • Encourage curbside food-to-go programs or deliveries;
  • Adopt and implement a screening policy for food handlers and all employees, and establish protocols for employees exclusion if they develop the following symptoms
  • Fever greater than 100.3 degree F
  • Cough and shortness of breath
  • Make available and visible COVID-19 prevent print materials within the restaurant

Additionally, the county ordered:

  • That Bexar County rental property owners temporarily suspend evictions for at least the next 30 days to prevent renters from being displaced due to the public health emergency;
  • That foreclosure proceedings within Bexar County be temporarily suspended for at least the next 30 days to prevent the displacement of occupants during the public health emergency;
  • That constituents and residents of Bexar County are encouraged to conduct essential business online or via regular mail to avoid visiting any Bexar County facilities unless absolutely necessary;
  • That no temporary health permit for activities that are known to attract more than the established maximum of 50 persons as defined in “Mass Gathering” in 2(a) be approved for at least the next 30 days and would encourage meetings of 10 or less;
  • That courts consider a reduction in the size of the docket and number of cases called to less than 10 defendants or otherwise consider options to reduce the number of individuals present in any courtroom within the Bexar County Justice Center Complex for the health and safety of staff, attorneys and visitors.

Additional reporting by KTSA’s Dennis Foley.

ORIGINAL:

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – Bexar County leaders have announced that they are canceling evictions and property tax foreclosures for the next 60 days.

At a news conference Wednesday morning led by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff ,  Bexar County Tax Assessor Collector Albert Uresti acknowledged that home evictions can be catastrophic at any time, especially now.

Uresti announced that  delinquent property tax foreclosures will be cancelled in April and May.

“We are here to help.  We want to keep families in their homes,” said Uresti.

County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez also announced  a proposal to make $5 million dollars in zero interest loans available for small business owners who are taking a hit during the coronavirus pandemic.

He also wants to make $50,000 in grants for small businesses.   Rodriguez says they’ll be working on the program with United Way and the Area Foundation, as well as the federal government.

Wolff said he’ll ask that  commissioners extend for 30 days his Public Health Emergency Declaration for Bexar County

Developing story….

 

 

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