Months after lead issue uncovered with SAISD, an environmental action group says problem is much worse
Months after a lead issue was uncovered with SAISD, an environmental action group says the problem is much worse.
Metro Health celebrates Kids Eat Right month with healthy recipes, food demos, events
San Antonio Metro Health is focused on building healthier communities and celebrating Kids Eat Right Month with nutritional education.
Latest San Antonio Metro Health data shows COVID cases have increased 387% since early July
COVID-19 is still present in Bexar County, and weโre seeing a sharp rise in cases as kids return to school.
San Antonio Metro Health to receive more than $25M in grant money from CDC
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District will benefit from more than $3 billion in federal grants aimed at building public health infrastructure.
San Antonio Metro Health monitoring new dominant Omicron subvariant amid rise in COVID-19 cases nationally
It may feel a bit like deja vu. COVID-19 cases are rising across the country, especially in many northeastern states.
Metro Health officials warning residents to celebrate NYE safely as COVID-19 cases rise
As the new year quickly approaches, San Antonio Metro Health officials are warning residents who plan to celebrate, to exercise caution amid a rise in COVID-19 cases.
![Buzz off! Metro Health offers advice to prevent mosquito bites, breeding after rains](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/reU7Qi_UNQL0Cv_28uJJscUqxDM=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZCAOMH3QXRHGVCP73DL6BX5HTM.jpg)
Buzz off! Metro Health offers advice to prevent mosquito bites, breeding after rains
With recent heavy rains in and around the San Antonio area, Metro Health officials are asking residents to help prevent mosquitoes in the area by following preventive breeding measures.
![Treating violence like an infectious disease, SA program intervenes during conflict to stop retaliatory shootings](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/z2Zicl8OMYF2C7_2deViZ4gslQs=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/04-26-2021/t_e12f5e23f1b94756adbcbaf985ba1ae9_name_image.jpg)
Treating violence like an infectious disease, SA program intervenes during conflict to stop retaliatory shootings
It's a non-traditional way of approaching gun violence prevention, but it's working in cities all over the world, including in San Antonio. Stand Up SA treats violence like an infections disease, focusing on cutting off retaliatory violence at the source during the conflict.
![Blood donors sought as San Antonio Metro Health declares blood emergency in city](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/Awn4xc1GPfo4zcLsRhTi7z5HAo4=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/MPK5FQW7LFFF5NDFRNXT4QB3AM.jpg)
Blood donors sought as San Antonio Metro Health declares blood emergency in city
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio Metro Health has declared a blood emergency in the city, as the recent winter weather has left San Antonio and South Texas in a blood shortage emergency. Health officials said there is not enough blood on hand to treat trauma cases and patients who need emergency surgeries and procedures which require blood. At least 2,000 donations have been lost by donor room closures and the cancellation of blood drives, health officials said. Health officials said all donors will receive a $20 Amazon gift card through Sunday, Feb. 21, as well as donor reward points. Health officials said all donors are asked to keep their appointments or call 210-731-5590 to reschedule and open a time for someone else to give.
![Metro Health departures part of largest exodus of public health leaders in American history](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/kTPqyj4TaO59q-t7aLdlL9RegIE=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2ZYTQT73FZD57HANBHOGN6NAHU.jpg)
Metro Health departures part of largest exodus of public health leaders in American history
San Antonio Metro Health has gone through several changes in the past few months. SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department finds itself undergoing another transition during the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Sandra Guerra, who had served as Metro Healthโs interim deputy public health director since October, also stepped down from that post and is now helping Metro Health in a part-time role. Since April, amid the greatest public health crisis in a century, 181 state or local public health leaders have resigned, retired, or been fired. Collectively, the loss of expertise and experience has created a leadership vacuum in the profession, public health experts say.
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Bexar Countyโs school districts wonโt close schools despite health department recommendation to go virtual
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio Metro Health issued a new directive on Tuesday advising against in-person education, but school districts in Bexar County arenโt planning on closing campuses. Northeast ISD, Northside ISD and San Antonio ISD say that students who are already on-campus will be able to stay there. โWeโre staying open because our schools are safe. Weโre staying open because our data shows thereโs no spread. Weโre staying open because our safety protocols are effective,โ NEISD spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor said.
![In-person instruction โnot recommendedโ for San Antonio, Bexar County schools, Metro Health says](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/MYvlYa27TfDedZTvsqyI3iOeFpA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/GFC7NPDMWZA4NN7IQ7XJMISDPM.jpg)
In-person instruction โnot recommendedโ for San Antonio, Bexar County schools, Metro Health says
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio Metro Health Medical Director Dr. Junda Woo has issued an amended health directive that says โin-person instruction is not recommended at this timeโ for schools in San Antonio and Bexar County. โThe school indicator bar is in the Red Zone, which means in-person learning is not recommended,โ Woo said. In-person learning should be highly restricted and take place with fixed pods of six students at most. Image courtesy of San Antonio Metro Health. Related: Metro Health issues recommendations against indoor dining and gatherings
![Your questions answered: COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Texas](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/oUXsywOJ8C5GzHHNgRPMXQnrItA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NB2AWTEAWVDGLKFG3I3XUA54FI.jpg)
Your questions answered: COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Texas
The rollout for the COVID-19 vaccine is underway across Texas. The Pfizer vaccine is recommended for people aged 16 years and older, while the Moderna vaccine is recommended for people aged 18 years and older. The Pfizer vaccine is in vials that hold five doses of the vaccine, whereas the Moderna vaccine is in 10-dose vials. Health care providers must enroll with the state as a COVID-19 vaccine provider to be eligible to receive the vaccine. H-E-B announced it will also participate in a federal program for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
![San Antonio healthcare workers among first in line to get Pfizer vaccine, says infectious disease doctor](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/nrpmga9IK8hhyT0hGjFR1sITeMU=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-07-2020/t_aa3e80dabb90493b8f2a1eb78e7315bd_name_image.jpg)
San Antonio healthcare workers among first in line to get Pfizer vaccine, says infectious disease doctor
SAN ANTONIO โ Editors note--On Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., KSAT anchor Isis Romero will host a livestream discussion with a panel of experts from San Antonio Metro Health to give you the most pertinent information about vaccines in South Texas. Dr. Ruth Berggren, an infectious disease doctor with UT Health San Antonioโs Long School of Medicine said during KSAT Q&A that San Antonioโs medical community and first responders will be some of the first to receive the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. And those people will be getting the vaccine first,โ she said. Dr. Berggren said San Antonio could see this first doses arrive as early as this week. Watch KSAT Q&Aโs live Monday-Friday at 6:30 p.m.Do you have questions about the coronavirus vaccine?
![WATCH: Isis Romero asks Metro Health doctors, experts your vaccine questions](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/3UQ-nsHUw_6tyk0wBVC0WGEIEsE=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-11-2020/t_6b6ee2f8fb42423c83c12aa904149a2b_name_Vaccine_Livestream.jpg)
WATCH: Isis Romero asks Metro Health doctors, experts your vaccine questions
SAN ANTONIO โ Editorโs Note: This livestream has ended, but you can watch the video on demand in the player above. You can watch in the video player above, on KSAT.com and our free streaming app, KSAT-TV. Read more reporting from KSAT on vaccines below:Your questions answered: COVID-19 vaccine in TexasH-E-B gearing up to distribute COVID-19 vaccinesTexas to receive 1.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, governor saysOnce a COVID-19 vaccine is available, what will that look like locally? Greg Abbott says COVID-19 vaccine will go to health care workers, vulnerable Texans firstWho will receive the COVID-19 vaccine first and how will it be distributed? Whatโs in the coronavirus vaccine, and how could it possibly affect me once I get it?
![Records reveal more behind hiring process for former San Antonio Metro Health director](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/lyIoS3_LKwUCTkOOtf25irwMUzg=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/07-22-2020/t_d584b66328494bc88652b08ccf12be70_name_Screen_Shot_2020_06_26_at_9_56_23_AM.png)
Records reveal more behind hiring process for former San Antonio Metro Health director
Records reveal more behind hiring process for former San Antonio Metro Health directorIf you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.
![Emails detail feud between former San Antonio Metro Health director, assistant city manager](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/4cxeaCSe-9DmY7ObWLaGBY14Nf8=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/07-21-2020/t_f6f4dfa891d14d79999597e9e177730e_name_bridger_and_emerick_updated.jpg)
Emails detail feud between former San Antonio Metro Health director, assistant city manager
Emails detail feud between former San Antonio Metro Health director, assistant city managerPublished: July 21, 2020, 5:02 pmFive days before San Antonio Metro Health Director Dawn Emerick resigned from her post, an internal email revealed a conflict between Emerick and Assistant City Manager Dr. Colleen Bridger.
![It could be weeks before COVID-19 plateau is confirmed, San Antonio officials say](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/2ZBz_bq8EcXk9uH8oFCdUG7Suxw=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/07-07-2020/t_4dd467d33d4a4f8c9dc40654ed17c976_name_image.jpg)
It could be weeks before COVID-19 plateau is confirmed, San Antonio officials say
San Antonio โ It will take weeks before San Antonio Metro Health officials know whether or not thereโs been a plateau in the spread COVID-19 cases in Bexar County. Bexar County surpasses 15,000 COVID-19 casesThe city has also made the decision to only test people who are showing symptoms at the city run testing locations. There are still more than 50 testing locations in the county, including private providers who can test asymptomatic people, Kurian said. โA little ray of hope:โ Acceleration of COVID-19 spread is slowing down, San Antonio mayor saysThe city reports 48 calls were received regarding violations concerning the public health ordinance. The owner, Greg Barrineau, said heโs concerned about the increasing cases of COVID-19 cases but heโs fighting the ordinance in court for a fair application of the law.
![Libraries are closed, but local librarians are still serving community](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/apb32e0CqLJxk_ziRKyxg8k6_aQ=/1280x852/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/KOMUABOFSRF7ZI2B6HZFTLGA5E.jpg)
Libraries are closed, but local librarians are still serving community
Just because every local library branch is closed, that doesnโt mean you canโt access the resources of the San Antonio Public Library. Library staff members are still working, and all of the systemโs digital resources are available 24/7 at www.mysapl.org/digital. Other staff members are now working in a different city departments and helping San Antonio Metro Health answer calls on the cityโs COVID-19 hotlines. According to the city, the hotline is receiving hundreds of calls a day, and Metro Health officials say they appreciate the help. 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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China Village Buffet, Rick's Cabaret cited by health inspector
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio Metro Health recently gave failing inspection scores to China Village Buffet and Rick's Cabaret for several violations. China Village Buffet on Loop 1604 near Culebra received 34 demerits on its latest inspection. The health inspector noted grease in places it shouldn't be. The inspector noted mold growing on the flour mix, slime from the soda gun dripping onto ice, and flies in both bar areas. Rick's Cabaret management said the health inspector came by at the end of a busy shift, and the staff hadn't had a chance to clean yet.