The city of San Antonio has announced that beginning Monday, masks and social distancing will be optional for fully vaccinated staff and clients at city facilities.

We’ve all had to adjust to the craziness of this year, but some students across the world, from preschoolers to graduate students, had to learn virtually, and it’s been difficult on the students and teachers. That’s why a lot of students are showing their appreciation for teachers and professors everywhere as they’ve had to get creative and figure out how to teach curriculum on a Zoom call. This group of students from the College of New Jersey said thanks to their professor over Zoom, and his reaction is just priceless. Here is another of students surprising their college professor. These students said thanks to their Spanish teacher, and her reaction is so heartwarming.

Whether your children have already begun their school year or you’re still preparing, due to delays, there are many who are choosing to keep their kids home to learn as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. Parents are doing their best to adapt, and we applaud every parent for the decision they’re making -- regardless of what that is. But for those who are keeping kids home for virtual learning, we want to see exactly how you’re adapting. What does the “classroom” you’ve created look like? We’d love to see what kinds of ideas parents have come up with, and we have a feeling other parents might appreciate some good ideas, too.

San Antonio area volleyball teams adapting to shorter schedules, strict guidelinesPublished: August 17, 2020, 12:22 amWith rapidly dwindling schedules and steadily increasing health and safety guidelines, high school volleyball teams across the greater San Antonio area have been forced to adapt quickly in order to stay prepared for the upcoming season.

Police in Singapore have taken an extraordinary step to ensure people are following social distancing rules. In a 3 1/2-month trial, police have used 22-pound pilotless drones, developed by Israel’s Airobotics, as a way to enforce social distancing and contain the spread of COVID-19, according to Reuters. Airobotics CEO Ran Krauss told Reuters the company is simply helping police maintain normal operations, specifically related to COVID-19. “The pandemic created a situation where it might be difficult for police to maintain,” Krauss said. The trial continues on in the social distancing aspect, according to Airobotics, and Krauss said the company is in talks with other cities to deploy drones.

SAN ANTONIO From art to drive-in movie screenings to kayaking, now is the time to head outdoors and see what San Antonio has to offer, even during a pandemic. See a list below for some additional social distancing-friendly events and places in San Antonio. Drive-thru at San Antonio ZooDrive-thru sessions are still being held on Fridays and Saturdays in August. Volunteers, artists and Centro San Antonio staff painted words that celebrate dark skin in the streets around Travis Park. For a full list of state parks within driving distance of San Antonio, click here.

No one in Del Rio knew the answer to that question — but so far, it’s not 48. Dionisia Valadez, 88, had been living in a long-term care facility in Del Rio when staff placed the building on lock-down in March. The lack of social distancing in Del Rio has made COVID-19 worse, and likely cost people their lives. Then in May, Texas began to reopen gradually and things in Del Rio changed over the course of the summer holidays. Gutierrez said the summer is when Del Rio adults want to be at Lake Amistad and Del Rio teenagers want to visit San Antonio.

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Three people were shot, one fatally, early Tuesday during a party attended by hundreds of people at a Los Angeles mansion, authorities said. Police responded to reports of gunfire around 1 a.m. at the gated hillside home in the Beverly Crest neighborhood, Los Angeles Police Officer Mike Chan said. To prevent the virus spread, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has banned parties of all sizes. When bars initially closed because of the pandemic, police reported receiving an increase in calls about large, illicit parties at private homes, the Los Angeles Times reported. In May, officers responded to a raging Los Angeles house party with more than 100 people that ended when a partygoer accidentally shot himself in the groin.

The only person who was wearing a mask while talking to the AP at Red Square was Vladimir Ingatyev. "You want to treat people like you'd want them to treat you so you've got to wear one," Ignatyev said. The wearing of face masks is causing a cacophony of human argument around the world. I try to wear a face mask so that at least I won’t catch it and also to avoid causing trouble for others.” — Reyhane Rajaei, a tattoo artist in Tehran. ___“People often don’t wear their mask properly — it’s the wrong way round or they wear it like this (pulls mask under his chin).

SAN ANTONIO People who tested positive for COVID-19 can exit isolation and resume normal activity after 10 days if they no longer have symptoms, according to new guidance from health officials. The Centers for Disease Control has issued new guidance that states COVID-19 patients who never developed symptoms no longer need a negative test to be considered recovered if 10 days have passed since their positive result. For most COVID-19 patients with symptoms, isolation can be discontinued 10 days after they first experienced symptoms, and they no longer have a fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine, the CDC states. According to the New York Times, COVID-19 patients were able to be considered if they twice tested negative for the virus within 24 hours. With a surge in coronavirus tests in Texas and across the country, the new guidelines may help relieve clogs at laboratories, as previously COVID-19 patients dont need to return for yet another test.

Scientific Report shows that the mask mandate is successfully slowing the spread of COVID-19 in North Texas. Public health experts say more time is needed to see if daily case numbers hold steady or, ideally, decline which would also lead to fewer hospitalizations and deaths. New York, one of the countrys earliest hot spots, began requiring face masks in mid-April; Abbott announced Texas statewide mask order July 2. Disease modelers pointed to recent findings to bolster the idea that mandatory mask-wearing is a highly effective public health strategy at least when there is widespread compliance. But public health experts say shutdowns are an effective measure that may be appropriate in areas with severe outbreaks.

A University of Texas football game at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium in Austin on Sept. 7, 2019. Eddie Gaspar/The Daily TexanThe University of Texas at Austin will kick off the football season Sept. 5, albeit with a stadium open at half its capacity, athletics officials told ticket holders Monday. I want you to know that as we are working toward hosting football games this season, our number one priority remains the health and safety of our student-athletes, staff and fans," Del Conte wrote. But officials have pushed forward with kicking off the football season as planned. Earlier this month, Del Conte said the annual game between the Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners would continue, even as organizers canceled the State Fair of Texas, held on the same weekend and in close proximity.

SAN ANTONIO Health experts in San Antonio are advising people to wait for more than a week to get tested for COVID-19 if they believe they were exposed to the virus but are not feeling the effects. UT Health San Antonio states if people have been exposed, but arent showing symptoms, then they should quarantine immediately but wait eight days for a test. UT Health San Antonio experts offer new COVID-19 testing adviceBefore those eight days, theres a 60-70% chance of a negative result, she said. UT Health officials do not advise people to go to an emergency room for a COVID-19 test. San Antonio doctor, teacher, psychologist weigh in

Dr. Ruth Berggren, an infectious disease specialist at the UT Health San Antonios Long School of Medicine, told KSAT 12 News during an interview on Thursday that employers should follow certain protocols as the citys COVID-19 trend worsens. When an employee tests positive for the virus, she says, managers should tell people who may have been exposed. Berggren said work areas that an infected person came into contact with should be closed for at least 24 hours and deep cleaned. The City of San Antonio did not immediately respond to questions about a possible change in requirements for businesses following the uptick in cases. Here are the San Antonio Metro Health guidelinesWhich face mask should I be using?

SAN ANTONIO One Texas company founded by three women has created a practical face mask to use while drinking and eating. Shut Your Mouth has invented colorful face masks with zippers at the mouth, making it perfect for sipping on a straw or eating small snacks. The three friends, from Houston, said they created the zipper masks because they wanted to help people by encouraging them to follow safety protocols during the coronavirus pandemic. Shut your mouth, but look great while doing it.778 new COVID-19 cases, 5 new deaths reported in Bexar CountyThe zipper masks are priced at $34.99, but the company also sells masks without a zipper for $18.99. These should not be unzipped for other reasons as it will defeat the purpose of the cover, the website states.

SAN ANTONIO Social distancing and quarantining are among the steps people can take to reduce their chances of contracting COVID-19, but living in the same household with someone with the virus can make that difficult. City officials say to stay in separate rooms, give patients their own trash cans and trash bags, leave meals at their door and wear a face mask when entering their quarantine room. A new study shows homemade masks can be most effectiveIf a bathroom is shared, it should be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Gloves should be worn and hands should be washed after handling items the patient has touched, officials said. For more information, visit our website at https://t.co/WIQ66VmbMp or call 210-207-5779. pic.twitter.com/psfzikbe3a City of San Antonio+= (@COSAGOV) July 7, 2020COVID-19 patients should also be monitored for their breathing and tightening in their chests.

BEXAR COUNTY, Texas With many public fireworks shows canceled amid concerns over the spread of COVID-19, people are choosing to have their own displays at home in Bexar County. Reminder: Hand sanitizer and fireworks a recipe for disasterThe Bexar County Fire Marshals Office urges people living outside of city limits to use caution and be aware of their surroundings when using fireworks. Fireworks are not a toy, so if youre going to be using them, make sure theres an adult present. And secondly, we want to make sure that theres a water source nearby, said Eric Maldonado, a spokesperson for the Fire Marshals Office. Wolff has issued an order saying that gatherings should be limited to no more than 10 people within your household and no large outdoor gatherings, he added.

SAN ANTONIO With the temperatures heating up for the summer, you may be considering a gym membership to escape the sun. But joining a gym may sometimes become a big commitment if youre required to sign an agreement, and not all facilities offer the same benefits. Here are a few important questions to ask your membership representative to see if a gym is right for you:What are the hours of operation? Watch out for these COVID-19 scamsOnce youve asked your questions and youre sure youve found the right gym, read your agreement carefully. To submit your money questions for our GMSA at 9 Money: Its Personal series, which airs on Tuesday mornings, email iherrera@ksat.com with the subject line Money: Its Personal story idea.

Its probably low to moderate risk if the voter is wearing a mask and if everyone else is wearing a mask, said Patterson. Health experts and elections administrators also recommend voting early on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, days when the polls usually see less traffic. Grocery ShoppingGrocery shopping can be relatively safe as long as people are wearing face coverings and staying socially distant when possible. As soon as you consume alcohol, your inhibitions are lowered and youre going to be less likely to observe all of these measures, said Berggren. This weeks episode of KSAT Explains will focus on the battle brewing across Texas over the proposed expansion of mail-in voting.

President Donald Trump on Saturday addressed 1,107 graduates who gathered at the US Military Academy at West Point for the academy's annual commencement. West Point is a universal symbol of American gallantry, loyalty, devotion, discipline, and skill," Trump began his address, reading from a teleprompter. The West Point superintendent, Army Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams, told NBC's "Today" show in a segment Friday morning that "we're happy that (Trump's) coming." West Point graduates occupy prominent roles in the Trump administration, including Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pompeo's two closest aides at the State Department, Brian Bulatao and Ulrich Brechbuhl. This story has been updated with comments from Trumps speech at West Point.

A second wave of coronavirus now impacting San AntonioIf you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.

SAN ANTONIO – This Memorial Day is like no other in the United States, but beachgoers in Port Aransas tried to bring a sense of normalcy over the weekend. At the beach, people gathered to sunbathe and enjoy the warm weather, while some tried to practice social distancing. ‘If I get it, everybody else is going to get it': Crowds head to Comal River over Memorial Day weekendMemorial Day marks the first major holiday amid Gov. Beachgoers are being urged to practice social distancing to guard against COVID-19. People gather on the beach for the Memorial Day weekend in Port Aransas, Texas, Saturday, May 23, 2020.

SAN ANTONIO – Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is putting a new system in place when they reopen to ensure proper social distancing. According to a press release, the new guest reservation system is the new process that will allow parks to manage daily attendance levels and avoid overcrowding in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control recommendations. Fiesta Texas donates food, toilet paper to food bank and hospitalThe day before your visit you will get an email confirming your reservation. The reservation process is not open yet but will be activated once park reopening dates are announced. Six Flags Fiesta Texas and other Six Flags parks were closed in March as COVID-19 cases began to increase.

(CNN) -- When beaches in Cocoa Beach reopened last weekend, people flocked to the sand -- and the trash came with them. Two weekends ago, teams collected 297 bags of trash -- at 40 pounds a bag, that's almost 12,000 pounds, Bobbitt said. The staff and volunteers at Keep Brevard Beautiful typically clear the 100 trash cans on the beaches of Cocoa Beach about three times a day, he said. Police are dispatching more officers to the beach to focus on litter violations and that started this weekend, Cocoa Beach Detective Sgt. Normally, Cocoa Beach is one of the few places in the state that permits drinking on the beach.

SAN ANTONIO – Forty people are detained after an 8-liner bust on the South Side, according to San Antonio police. However, after arriving on scene, officers determined no shooting had occurred and no one was injured. After going inside the residence, authorities found 40 people using 40 8-liners. SAPD: Two men shot dead in vehicle after ‘drug deal went sideways’ on North SideOfficials issued citations to all 40 people for violating the city’s ordinance for social distancing and for illegal gambling. We’ll bring more updates as they become available.

SAN ANTONIO – Closures of non-essential businesses like bars, bowling alleys and movie theaters were announced on March 14 by Governor Greg Abbott to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Movie tickets are only $5 and all showtimes are listed on Santikos’ main website. “We’ve trained our staff on opening and closing doors, and we’ve really eliminated contact points throughout the whole theater,” Brooks said. The grab and go options like chips, candy or bottled sodas aren’t available, but Brooks said main items remain available for purchase. “Again, we eliminated a touchpoint of a cup, going back to one of our freestyle machines or ICEE machines.

HOUSTON – Surfside Beach was busy with visitors Saturday. The majority of the people seem not to be respecting social distancing guidelines or didn’t wear a face mask or covering. Hundreds of people visit Surfside Beach, but many didn’t respect social distancing. On April 7, Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta ordered the temporary closures to county parks, including Quintana Park and Stephen F. Austin Park. Hundreds of people visit Surfside Beach, but many didn’t respect social distancing.

SAN ANTONIO – A “dream” job has opened up for Disney fans practicing social distancing. Reviews.com is hiring 10 movie lovers for the “Disney+ Dream Job," which pays people to watch their favorite Disney movie. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus: How to try streaming services for free during coronavirus quarantineThe deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on April 10, according to Reviews.com. They can send an email to giveaways@reviews.org with “Dream Job” in the subject line, and their name and favorite Disney movie in the message. These San Antonio-area restaurants are offering To-Go dealsThe last time Reviews.com opened the job in October, more than 51,000 people applied.

Mission Park funeral home offers ‘special services’ for families affected by the coronavirusIf you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.

(CNN) -- For the second time in two days, police have charged a pastor with defying public orders against large gatherings by holding church services with hundreds of members. And despite the charge, he says the church doors will still be open Sunday. On Tuesday police in suburban Baton Rouge, Louisiana, issued Pastor Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle Church a misdemeanor summons for six counts of violating the governor's executive order barring large gatherings. Spell told CNN that opening the church is no more risk than the hundreds of people shopping at stores. Spell has told CNN he believes the pandemic is "politically motivated."

BOERNE, Texas – Boerne Mayor Tim Handren has been using social media to stay in touch with his community during the coronavirus pandemic. “There’s no playbook for this -- when you step into a role as mayor -- that says, 'Here’s how you handle a COVID-19 situation,” Handren said. He said the city had to decide to close Boerne City Lake Park because there were too many people gathering this past week. “They’re going out there to hang out together, and that’s kind of not abiding by the principles that we are all setting.”As of Tuesday, there are seven confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kendall County. That includes our county, our school districts, cities of Fair Oaks and Boerne.”COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019.

Social distancing lead to a proud new grandfather in Ireland recently meeting his newborn grandchild in a unique way -- through a window. “Three generations of social distancing as my dad meets his grandson for the first time 😭😭😭,” Emma captioned the photo. “Also Faolán is my nephew and it is my brother Míchéal holding him. Also Faolán is my nephew and it is my brother Míchéal holding him. See more on how people are coping with social distancing across the globe below.

BOERNE, Texas – Boerne Mayor Tim Handren isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to addressing the public in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Handren took to Facebook Live Monday morning and seemed perplexed by the fact that some people still weren’t practicing social distancing. “There are some people that frankly still don’t believe this is real, which I don’t get," Handren said. HANDREN LIVE: Mayor Tim Handren has an update on the situation in Boerne regarding COVID-19. Posted by City of Boerne - City Government on Monday, March 30, 2020COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019.

Dr. Robert Frolichstein, an emergency room doctor working in San Antonio, discusses the importance of social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. 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. MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE FROM KSAT:

WATCH: Why is social distancing important? If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.

CNN – To stop the spread of coronavirus, health officials have instructed the public to practice social distancing -- staying home, avoiding crowds and refraining from touching one another. Practice as much social distancing as your work allows. "Social distancing does not mean social isolation. But before you do, call the daycare center or meet with staff to ensure they're implementing social distancing measures. How long will we have to keep social distancing?

SAN ANTONIO – No hand sanitizer? Adeina Anderson, of Creative Lifestyles with Adeina , shares how to make a simple hand sanitizer recipe in the comfort and safety of your own home. *According to the CDC , alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs. Ingredients:• Isopropyl alcohol (It is best to use a bottle of 99% isopropyl alcohol)• Aloe veraDirections:Fill up plastic container with three-quarters 99% isopropyl alcohol, one-quarter aloe vera. WARNING: Experts note that if you don’t mix the right amounts of alcohol to aloe vera, you could damage your skin.

Mark Austin is well-known to South Texas viewers having spent the bulk of his TV news career at KSAT. After brief stints at two stations in East Texas, Mark came to San Antonio as a freelance reporter in late 1998. He joined KSAT 12 News just months later.

GMSA @9 anchors Mark Austin and Leslie Mouton practice social distancing during their Monday's newscast. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.