SAN ANTONIO – City Council voted to extend a San Antonio’s emergency declaration ordering bars and restaurant dining rooms to close amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Closures will be extended for 30 days until April 19, City Council voted Thursday. District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran and District 8 Councilman Manny Palaez self-quarantined and Skyped in the meeting.
Also on Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott said issued an executive order that bans dine-in eating and gatherings of more than 10 people. Abbott’s order goes into effect at midnight Friday and lasts through April 3, but it could be extended.
Abbott bans dine-in eating, gatherings of 10+ across Texas through April 3
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg announced the mandatory closure of non-essential businesses on Wednesday. The declaration was originally in effect for seven days.
Restaurants will still be allowed to operate drive-thru, delivery and takeout orders for curbside pickup.
WATCH: SA Restaurant Association against 30-day restrictions imposed by city
Other businesses barred from operating include private clubs, gyms, indoor commercial amusement businesses, bowling alleys and bingo parlors.
Restaurants and stores that violate the emergency order could pay civil penalties and fines, Nirenberg said Wednesday.
25 COVID-19 cases reported in San Antonio, officials say
Several places that are still allowed to operate under the emergency declaration include grocery stores, gas stations, places of worship, funeral homes, schools or child care facilities and the San Antonio International Airport.
Read the City of San Antonio’s full declaration below:
Officials reported Wednesday night that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Bexar County rose to 25.
Assistant City Manager Colleen Bridger told City Council that 13 potential cases are under investigation. The city will receive a shipment of tests on Thursday, she said.
The city has spent around $675,000 so far during the response to COVID-19. About $975,000 is committed but has not been spent.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to give coronavirus update at noon
City Manager Erik Walsh told City Council Thursday that city employees are being moved “where we need them.”
For example, he said employees for Pre-K 4 SA are now helping with the San Antonio Food Bank.
Read more about Bridger’s presentation here:
COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019. The disease first appeared in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, but spread around the world in early 2020, causing the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic in March.
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