Local News:

The city of San Antonio was under a winter weather advisory due to a strong arctic cold front from Thursday, Jan. 20 into the early hours of Friday, Jan. 21. As of Thursday, the impact of the severe weather remains minimal. 

In response to the severe weather warning, several school districts across the city — including Northside ISD, NEISD, San Antonio ISD and Southwest ISD — announced school closures. Most of the school closures were in effect for Thursday, Jan. 20.

In order to aid unsheltered individuals, the City of San Antonio announced that four different warming centers around the city would be open during the duration of the weather warning. According to the city, COVID-19 mitigation plans were in full effect at the centers. 

San Antonio’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. march was canceled in light of the recent surge in cases due to the Omicron variant. Instead, a virtual march was held on Monday, Jan. 17 to commemorate the day. 

Five people were hospitalized after an unidentified suspect opened fire at a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in the city’s East Side on Monday, Jan. 17. It was announced that one of the victims had died from his injuries. The incident appeared to be a random act of violence, and no arrests have been made. 

Coronavirus:

The COVID-19 risk level in San Antonio continues to be severe. As of Monday, Jan. 24, the city reported 7,023 new cases and 3 deaths. The total number of confirmed cases in the city now stands at 459,248.

According to Texas Public Radio, San Antonio’s positivity rate has reached a high of 38% — one of the highest percentages the city has seen in the course of the pandemic. The city’s COVID-19 dashboard indicates that its positivity rate remains critical. 

On Friday, Jan. 21, Mayor Ron Nirenberg as well as Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Metro Health Director Claude A. Jacob, Metro Health Medical Director Dr. Junda Woo and CEO of South Texas Regional Advisory Council Eric Epley came together to provide updates on the city’s pandemic response in light of the Omicron surge.