Key Takeaways from Emergency Order #5 – San Antonio’s Stay-at-Home Emergency Declaration

The COVID-19 health epidemic is taking over every aspect of life for most of the world. Activity restrictions are being enacted, consumer goods are scarce due to panic purchasing, and people are learning new ways to interact so they can abide by social distancing guidelines.

To help control the spread of the virus, our government and health organizations are doing their best to mitigate the situation by enforcing temporary regulations so more people are not exposed to the illness. Like other cities and countries experiencing an uptick of positive test results, the Mayor of San Antonio has enacted proper precautions to ensure that the infection rate does not keep increasing for our city.

Yesterday, Mayor Ron Nirenberg very wisely issued Emergency Order #5 mandating the stay-at-home emergency declaration for the city of San Antonio. Here are some quick, key takeaways from the order, effective March 24 – April 9, 2020.

1. Everyone is encouraged to stay home as much as possible. If you do go out, there are a few approved activities, but all of those require that you practice social distancing (keep at least six feet separation between you and others).
   • Health and safety-related activities are approved, including: obtaining medical supplies, medication pick up, doctor’s appointments, or obtaining supplies to work from home.
   • Purchasing food and other consumer products that are directly linked to the maintenance of safety, sanitation and residence operations.
   • Outdoor activities such as walking, biking, hiking, etc. can be conducted with safe social distancing.
   • Working for exempted businesses
     • Exempted businesses range from health care, government agencies, and food providers to transportation. For a full list of exempt businesses please see page 4 of the declaration.
2. Dine-in eating at restaurants is still prohibited. Available alternatives are to go and curbside options which are highly encouraged to help small businesses during this unprecedented time.
   • Don’t forget to utilize options like UberEats, DoorDash, Postmates, and Favor for food delivery. Companies that utilize contracted drivers have the option of texting you when the food arrives and leaving it at your door so you can practice safe social distancing.
3. Rental property evictions and foreclosure proceedings are suspended for the next thirty days.
4. Isolation and quarantine measures are still in place for those who have tested positive for the virus. If you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive, you should consider yourself positive as well. If you believe you are infected, please contact a medical professional so they can guide you on the next steps you need to take.
5. There are restrictions on nursing home, retirement and long-term care facilities for non-essential visitors other than medical assistance or end-of-life visitation.

San Antonio’s key takeaways for the stay-at-home emergency declaration can seem frustrating but the measures are being put in place to help reduce the risk of contracting the virus and spreading it to others. Some of these restrictions can seem hard to follow however the sooner we are able to contain the virus, the quicker things can return back to normal. So, do it for those who are currently out of work because their job is not on the exempted list and do it for our economy. Ultimately though, do it for the people you know or may not know who could be seriously affected if they contract the virus. Stay home, stay safe, and remain vigilant.